The Complete Guide to Getting a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida

The legalization of medical cannabis in Florida has led to enormous quality-of-life improvements for hundreds of thousands of residents suffering from chronic and often difficult-to-treat health conditions. Since Florida first introduced its Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act in 2014, the state has continued expanding its medical marijuana program, which now provides over 700,000 Floridians with access to a wide range of edible, smokable, and vaporized medical cannabis products.

Since medical marijuana (often abbreviated to MMJ) is still a highly-regulated product and its use requires registration with the state, becoming a Florida MMJ patient may sound like a daunting process at first. In this article, we’ll break down the steps to getting set up with medical marijuana in Florida – from determining if you’re eligible to finding the right clinician to assist with your individual needs.

For information about the MMJ card approval process in other states, check out our comprehensive guide to becoming a medical cannabis patient in the US.

Benefits of Getting a Florida Medical Marijuana Card

Legal Access to Cannabis –Since adult-use (recreational) marijuana is still prohibited in Florida and marijuana is still considered a Schedule 1 illegal substance at the federal level, the only legal way to access cannabis in the state is through registration as a medical marijuana patient. Only patients (or their caregivers) with a valid Florida medical marijuana card are permitted entry to the state’s 500+ dispensaries (also called medical marijuana treatment centers). Florida medical cannabis patients can also take advantage of home delivery services offered by select cannabis retailers.

Potential Future Benefits – If the state eventually legalizes recreational cannabis, Florida medical card holders will likely retain several benefits over their adult-use counterparts, including higher daily purchase and possession limits, the current sales tax exemption, and priority access to cannabis should extenuating circumstances limit its availability.

Legal Defense – While a Florida medical card is by no means a “get out of jail free” card, in some cases, it could provide a layer of legal protection in conflicts regarding employment, housing, child custody, or the operation of a motor vehicle. We highly advise all new Florida medical marijuana patients to consult a qualified cannabis attorney who can help them stay protected while using this still federally-illegal medicine.

Patients (or their caregivers) with a valid Florida medical marijuana card are permitted entry to the state’s 500+ dispensaries.

Who Can Access Medical Cannabis in Florida?

Medical marijuana may be purchased and used by permanent or seasonal Florida residents (with proof of residency), who have been approved by a qualified Florida medical marijuana doctor to treat one or more qualifying medical conditions. All medical cannabis patients in Florida must register with the state’s Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR) and renew their registration every seven months. It is worth noting that Florida does not allow patients with MMJ cards from other states to purchase cannabis in Florida dispensaries.

Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Card in Florida

In order to qualify for a medical marijuana recommendation, you must be diagnosed with one or more of the following conditions:

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Cancer
• Crohn’s Disease
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• HIV / AIDS
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Terminal conditions diagnosed by a physician other than the one conducting your medical marijuana patient evaluation
• Chronic nonmalignant pain caused by a qualifying medical condition that persists beyond usual levels for that particular medical condition
• Comparable medical conditions to those on the current qualifying conditions list

All medical cannabis patients in Florida must register with the state’s Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR) and renew their registration every seven months.

Caregivers

Caregivers to Florida residents diagnosed with any of these qualifying conditions may apply for a medical marijuana caregiver card. In Florida, caregivers must be at least twenty-one years old, and may only be responsible for aiding one patient (unless otherwise approved). MMJ caregivers must register with Florida’s MMUR, complete a background check (unless they are a close relative to the patient), complete a caregiver certification course, and agree in writing to assist the patient with their medicine.

How to Get A Medical Marijuana Card in Florida

Before you can apply for a Florida cannabis card, you must first complete an evaluation with a qualified medical marijuana doctor. Florida requires these evaluations to be done at an in-person clinic. The evaluating physician will discuss your medical history, current symptoms, and any lifestyle factors that could preclude medical marijuana use to determine if cannabis is a viable treatment option for you. Most clinics will waive their evaluation fee for any patient who is not determined to qualify for medical marijuana. At this time, health insurance does not cover cannabis-related medical care.

Once you’ve been approved, the evaluating physician will add you to the state’s Medical Marijuana Users Registry. You will then need to complete your application via the Florida Department of Health Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) and submit the $75 registration fee. Within 7-10 business days, your temporary card will arrive via email, followed by your hardcopy card in the mail. The temporary card will grant you access to Florida’s medical marijuana dispensaries while you wait for your official card to arrive.

Florida medical marijuana cards are valid for 210 days and must be renewed prior to expiration to avoid any lapse in MMJ access (45 days is the recommended timeframe). If no significant health changes are at play, a renewal appointment can often be completed in as few as 10 minutes (and will generally be less expensive than an initial evaluation). The state charges a $75 fee for each renewal.

This required in-person medical marijuana consultation is an opportunity to have a candid, ongoing conversation with a real doctor about your symptoms.

What to Expect at Your Florida Medical Marijuana Doctor Visit

Fortunately, Florida is home to thousands of qualified MMJ physicians, making it easy to get an appointment without a lengthy wait, no matter which part of the state you reside in. Several office chains specializing in medical cannabis operate throughout most areas of the state, as well as smaller localized offices. Some alternative medicine practitioners and even select medical spas are also authorized to conduct medical marijuana evaluations.

One of the biggest benefits of this required in-person medical marijuana consultation is the opportunity to have a candid, ongoing conversation with a real doctor about your symptoms, bring up questions or concerns you may have about using marijuana, and receive advice directly tailored to your needs regarding dosing, strain selection, and delivery method (e.g. smoking vs. edibles). Florida law requires patients to meet with their MMJ doctor twice per year, ensuring the opportunity to address any new questions that arise or adjust dosage if necessary while building trust and rapport.

Our Recommended Florida Medical Marijuana Doctors

With thousands of physicians now offering medical marijuana services, the search for a capable and compassionate Florida cannabis doctor can feel overwhelming. To make your search easier, we’ve narrowed down the following list of the top MMJ doctors in Florida. Whether you’re a first-time patient or looking to transfer to a new practitioner for your next renewal service, these are the Florida cannabis doctors we like and trust.

Medical Marijuana Treatment Clinics of Florida

One of Florida’s pioneering medical marijuana dispensaries, MMTCFL was founded in 2016 by Dr. Joseph Dorn, who, after over a decade of treating terminal patients in hospice, felt called to help patients find relief through medical marijuana. Since then, Medical Marijuana Treatment Clinics of Florida has grown into one of the state’s most trusted and top-rated medical marijuana practices, with over 20 locations spread throughout the state. In addition to providing MMJ access, MMTCFL is dedicated to furthering patient education, regularly hosting educational webinars to help patients dive deeper into how MMJ works and learn how to optimize its effects in their own lives. MMTC’s initial consultation fees run from $99 to $299, depending on location, with follow-ups ranging from $99 to $199. All veterans receive a 10% discount and transfer patients also receive a discounted low rate on their first appointment.

Medical Marijuana Clinic

Medical Marijuana Clinic’s patient-focused approach and dedication to making access to medical cannabis affordable, honest, and simple make it one of the state’s standout MMJ practices. With a simple 3-step process that takes the mystery out of the MMJ application process, prospective patients fill out a simple online pre-screening form, then meet with one of the clinic’s physicians (MD or DO) for evaluation and creation of a MMJ treatment plan, before finalizing their application with the state. The clinic offers a 100% money-back guarantee to any patient who does not receive approval through the state. The clinic’s standard rates are $149 for new patients and $129 for renewals, with a discounted rate for veterans. Medical Marijuana Clinic currently has six Florida MMJ clinics, located in Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, Orlando, Tampa, Sarasota, Naples, and Miami. Appointments are required.

Best MMJ Doctors in Miami

Medverde

Medverde, headed by Dr. Ann-Marie Wong, is truly one of Miami’s best MMJ clinics, dedicated to helping patients of all ages find comfort and healing through cannabis and CBD. Dr. Wong brings her unique expertise as a Pediatric Specialist to her practice, making Medverde the state’s premier pediatric cannabis medicine provider. Dr. Wong’s patient-focused approach includes making herself available to answer patient questions via phone as well as through in-office visits and offering CBD treatment options for those who don’t qualify for (or wish to avoid) medical marijuana. Medverde’s standard rates range from $150-$399, with discounted pricing for veterans and low-income patients. Medverde is easily accessible from I-95 and is located in the Morningside area. The clinic is staffed by a sweet therapy dog named Piper, but Medverde is also more than happy to accommodate the needs of patients who are uncomfortable with dogs.

Best MMJ Doctors in Boynton Beach

Canna Wellness Clinics

Canna Wellness Clinics stands out for its personalized, holistic approach to health and wellness. Their beautiful, comfortable clinic offers supportive, stigma-free care, with a warm and friendly staff dedicated to empowering patients every step of the way – even assisting approved patients to complete their state applications right there in the office. Standard MMJ Exams range from $149-$199, with occasional special pricing offers and discounted returning renewals. Additionally, Canna Wellness Clinics offers optional cannabis education consultations (either 30 minutes or a full hour, running $30-$50), helping new patients gain a full and nuanced understanding of medicinal cannabis use and how to maximize their own personal MMJ use. The clinic also stocks a large selection of top-grade CBD products, natural supplements, skincare, and even pet care products for total body wellness. Canna Wellness Clinics is conveniently located just off I-95 on Boynton Beach Blvd.

Best MMJ Doctors in Southwest Florida

Liberate Physician Centers SWFL

Liberate Physician Centers of Southwest Florida is a comfortable, welcoming clinic offering professional expert guidance on medical marijuana treatments with a caring, personal touch. Liberate’s MD, advocate, and educator team is dedicated to helping people suffering from chronic and debilitating conditions find relief and comfort through personalized medical cannabis treatment. Liberate’s rate is a flat $150 for new, renewing, and transferring patients, which includes your physician consultation, treatment plan, and preparation of your state application. The clinic also offers telehealth appointments for existing patients seeking MMJ card renewal. Liberate Physician Centers SWFL is conveniently located on US 41/Tamiami Trail, in Port Charlotte.

FIRMASKIN Med Spa & Wellness

FIRMASKIN Med Spa & Wellness is one of Southwest Florida’s premier wellness clinics, viewing self-care as an integral aspect of well-being, not an unattainable luxury. In addition to a variety of health, wellness, weight loss, and aesthetics services, FIRMASKIN offers medical marijuana consultations and certification. Through a simple and straightforward 3-step process, MMJ patients can find relief from pain, inflammation, sleep problems, and symptoms of mental and neurological disorders. FIRMASKIN’s staff of highly-trained, warm, and caring professionals take appointments Monday-Friday at their beautiful, comfortable med spa office in south Fort Myers. Standard rates are $199, or $99 for renewals. Veterans and first responders receive 10% off and Membership options are available at as low as $25 per month. FIRMASKIN is conveniently located off Summerlin Drive, close to US-41 and not far from I-75.

Best MMJ Doctors in Saint Petersburg

John B. DeCosmo D.O.

John B. DeCosmo, D.O. is a highly-rated family practice specializing in holistic and functional medicine, with a mission to “treat people, not symptoms.” Dr. DeCosmo offers MMJ evaluations as well as treating a wide range of conditions, from adrenal fatigue, thyroid disorders, and hormone therapy to gut issues, healthy weight loss, and many others – always with the goal of finding the issue’s root cause, while offering a truly collaborative care experience, taking patients’ input, concerns, wishes, and beliefs into account. Dr. DeCosmo is truly dedicated to serving the local community, having practiced medicine in Saint Petersburg since 1988. His office is conveniently located on 4th Street North, not far from I-275.

Best MMJ Doctors in Tampa

Cannabis Doc

Among the area’s very best providers, Cannabis Doc is a 5-star patient-rated Tampa MMJ doctor’s office, operated by a DO and two MDs with a shared passion for helping people achieve maximum wellness and healing through cannabis medicine. Cannabis Doc currently has six locations throughout the Tampa Bay Area, in Citrus Park, North Tampa, South Tampa, Brandon, New Port Richey, and Zephyrhills, all of which are open six days a week and offer same-day approval for patients who qualify. Cannabis Doc’s new patient rate is $195, $150 for transfers, along with a 10% veterans discount, a referral program, and a money-back guarantee for patients who do not receive an MMJ recommendation. Cannabis Doc also offers prescription adjustments free of charge, when necessary. Cannabis Doc serves both English and Spanish-speaking patients.

Medi Clinics Primary Care

Medi Clinics Primary Care is a state-of-the-art practice serving patients of all ages and backgrounds. Headed by Dr. Venkata J. Bireddy, a board-certified internal medicine physician, Medi Clinics’ team of highly-skilled medical professionals is dedicated to creating a warm and welcoming environment and providing excellent care every step of the way. Medi Clinics specializes in primary care services – including medical marijuana consultations, as well as a range of aesthetic wellness services. The clinic is open Monday-Friday and takes walk-ins as well as scheduled appointments. Medi Clinics Primary Care is located in a beautiful, modern office on MacDill Avenue in South Tampa.

Best MMJ Doctors in West Central Florida

Dr. Bob’s Compassion Clinic

Born from a true passion for the incredible difference MMJ can make in the lives of the chronically ill, Dr. Bob’s Compassion Clinic delivers empowering, supportive, affordable care that is always tailored to the individual patient. Dr. Bob (Robert Goethe, MD) brings his decades of experience and background as a board-certified anesthesiologist to his MMJ practice, as well as a dedication to educating patients as well as the community at large about the benefits of cannabis as an alternative to traditional pharmaceutical treatments for chronic health conditions. Standard office visit rates are between $125-$200 and Dr. Bob sees patients of all ages, including minors with a pediatrician’s approval.Dr. Bob’s Compassion Clinic is located just off the Suncoast Parkway at FL-44/W Gulf to Lake Highway in Crystal River.

Best MMJ Doctors in Orlando

Cannabis Card Orlando

Cannabis Card Orlando is a highly-rated, bilingual local clinic dedicated to making the medical marijuana approval process as affordable and stress-free as possible – and for as many patients as possible, with an impressive 99% approval rate. However, they do offer a full refund for any patient who does not qualify. Patients are invited to take a free online pre-screening before booking an appointment. Standard rates run from $134-$174, with substantial discounts and promotions available for new and transferring patients as well as veterans and first responders. In addition to MMJ evaluations, Cannabis Card Orlando also offers emotional support animal (ESA) letter services. Cannabis Card Orlando’s two clinics are open six days a week and are easily accessible from major highways, with one located at the intersection of Sand Lake Rd & S John Young Pkwy and the other in Baldwin Park, on Florida 436, just north of E Colonial Dr.

Best MMJ Doctors near New Smyrna Beach

Atlantic Coast Cannabis MD

Atlantic Coast Cannabis MD delivers all the professionalism and expert care of a traditional physician’s clinic, in a safe, relaxed, and cozy environment. The practice is headed by Dr. Ryan, combining decades of expertise as a board-certified anesthesiologist with a passion for helping people access effective and holistic pain relief. In addition to highly-personalized, compassionate in-office care, Dr. Ryan also makes house calls (within 20 miles of the office), and offers a unique “Dispensary Accompaniment” option. Patients electing this service will be accompanied to the dispensary of their choice (within 20 miles) by Dr. Ryan or one of her highly-trained associates, who will walk them through this often overwhelming process, ensuring patients always walk out with the right strains and dosages – and an extra dose of confidence. Dr. Ryan’s standard rates are $150-$200, with an additional fee for house calls or dispensary accompaniment. The Atlantic Coast Cannabis MD office is conveniently located right on US-1/Ridgewood Ave in Edgewater, also easily accessible from I-95.

Best MMJ Doctors on the Treasure Coast

Treasure Coast Medical

Treasure Coast Medical is an alternative wellness clinic that encompasses one of Florida’s largest medical marijuana treatment practices. Led by an esteemed Internal medicine physician with a lifelong passion for natural healing and preventative care, the clinic’s mission is to promote healing from the inside out, through kind, caring, and affordable care. Treasure Coast Medical’s customer service is exceptional, with staff available seven days a week via telephone to handle questions, adjustments, or other issues – and minimal wait time for in-person appointments. Treasure Coast Medical’s standard rates cover 14 months of MMJ care and range from $200-$300, with significant discounts for veterans. Several payment plan options are available, and all patients receive access to free educational groups, plus free prescription adjustments between appointments (if necessary). Treasure Coast Medical is located on S 25th St, just north of Virginia Ave in Fort Pierce, and is easily accessible from both I-95 and US Hwy 1.

Sikora Integrative Medicine

Offering medical marijuana consultations and care in addition to a wide variety of pain management, regenerative care, aesthetics, and other holistic and complementary healing modalities, the warm and welcoming staff at Sikora Integrative Medicine deliver highly-personalized MMJ care with an emphasis on empowering patients through education while encouraging safe, non-toxic relief from pain, anxiety, and other qualifying conditions. For those who do not qualify for (or prefer not to use) MMJ, Sikora Integrative Medicine also offers CBD treatment options, using organic premium-grade CBD products from NAYSA. Sikora Integrative Medicine’s beautiful, state-of-the-art facility is located in north Vero Beach and is easily accessible from US-1.

Best MMJ Doctors in Jacksonville

Affordable Marijuana License

Affordable Marijuana License, a partner of Emed Multispeciality Group, is headed by a Mayo Clinic-trained primary-care and pain management physician with a passion for making this life-changing medicinal plant accessible to all who can benefit from it. Despite being one of the region’s largest medical groups, serving over 13,000 MMJ patients to date, one of this clinic’s greatest strengths is its caring, friendly service that treats each patient as a unique individual, not a number. A large team of experienced professionals ensures patients can be seen as quickly as possible, with phone and email support also available 5 days a week. Walk-ins are also accepted during specified hours of each day. Living up to the clinic’s name, Affordable Marijuana License’s rates range from only $40 for transfers to $160 for new patients. Affordable Marijuana License is conveniently located on Atlantic Blvd in Jacksonville’s St. Nicholas neighborhood – easily accessible from I-95.

Best MMJ Doctors in Pensacola

Northwest Florida Physicians Group, LLC

Northwest Florida Physicians Group, LLC is a multidisciplinary office offering patients relief from pain, anxiety, and other debilitating conditions through regenerative medicine, chiropractic care, physical therapy, and alternative pain management, including medical marijuana. NWFLPG’s in-house MMJ practitioner is Family Practice Physician Dr. David Brannon, whose background includes extensive expertise in pain management and MVA (motor vehicle accident) care. With genuine care and compassion, the doctors of Northwest Florida Physicians Group take the time to fully understand each patient’s symptoms and needs, and apply a holistic approach to alleviating chronic pain, sciatica, arthritis, anxiety, and many other conditions through the use of medical marijuana and/or other complementary modalities. Northwest Florida Physicians Group is conveniently located in West Pensacola, easily accessible from either US 90 or US 98.

Dr. Bawa & Associates

Dr. Bawa & Associates combines Dr. Nitin Bawa’s decades of medical experience with special interests in holistic medicine and bio-identical hormones, to bring patients a complementary range of health, wellness, and aesthetics services, including medical marijuana consultations. Dr. Bawa and his expertly-trained staff of medical professionals provide a friendly, welcoming, and inclusive atmosphere, where patients can feel safe and comfortable and receive customized care that considers their individual needs and concerns. Dr. Bawa & Associates operates out of three beautiful office locations, conveniently located throughout the western Panhandle, in northern Pensacola (close to I-10 and I-110), on US-98 in the heart of Destin, and in northern Fort Walton Beach.

Author: Ariel

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