Florida Medical Marijuana Card Information
Florida’s medical marijuana legislation started in 2014 with the passing of the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act which allowed seriously ill patients to use cannabis with low-THC. Seriously ill patients of medical marijuana cards in Florida consist of those patients who have cancer or epilepsy. To manage Florida’s medical marijuana program the Florida Department of Health created the Office of Compassionate Use (OCU).
In 2015, Gov. Rick Scott signed the Florida Right to Try Act which allowed physicians of seriously ill patients be leverage experimental medicines or treatments not approved by the FDA. During March of 2016, medical marijuana low-THC was added to list of experiment medicines per HB 307.
On Nov. 8, 2016 Florida voters passed the Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative, also known as Amendment 2. Amendment 2 allowed for an expanded list of qualifying conditions to obtain a medical marijuana card in Florida. This Amendment also altered the OCU into the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) and created the Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTC) of Florida.
Florida Medical Marijuana Card, Cultivation & Possession Laws
Florida allows for low-THC medical marijuana or cannabis. To define low-THC, the flower material, resin, seeds, and other products derived from the marijuana plant must contain 0.8% THC or less. An individual patient or caregiver may not possess more than a 70-day supply of medical marijuana in Florida at any time, while all purchased marijuana must remain in its original packing material. When purchasing at one time, patients and caregivers are limited to 2.5 ounces and my not possess more than 4 ounces. Additionally, Florida does not allow medical marijuana to be transferred for any reason other than by a caregiver who may be buying or transporting marijuana for an individual patient. Cultivation of marijuana in Florida is illegal for patients and caregivers.
Florida Medical Marijuana Card. Why you should receive a medical card.
The legalization of medical marijuana has been a controversial topic in many states across the US, including Florida. Medical marijuana refers to the use of cannabis for medical purposes, and it has been legalized in Florida since 2016. The legalization of medical marijuana in Florida has brought about significant benefits for patients with debilitating medical conditions, and it has also had a positive economic impact on the state.
Medical marijuana has been shown to be effective in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Cannabis contains compounds known as cannabinoids, which can interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to provide pain relief and reduce inflammation.
The use of medical marijuana has been shown to be particularly effective in the treatment of chronic pain, which is a common symptom of many medical conditions. Opioid medications are commonly used to treat chronic pain, but they can be highly addictive and have severe side effects. Medical marijuana offers an alternative to opioid medications, which can be safer and more effective for some patients.
In addition to pain relief, medical marijuana has been shown to have other therapeutic benefits. It has been shown to be effective in the treatment of muscle spasms, seizures, and anxiety. Medical marijuana can also improve appetite and sleep, which can be particularly beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy or those with wasting syndrome.
The legalization of medical marijuana in Florida has brought about significant benefits for patients with debilitating medical conditions. The law allows patients with qualifying conditions to obtain a medical marijuana card from a licensed physician, which allows them to purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries.
Patients who use medical marijuana report significant improvements in their quality of life. Many patients report that medical marijuana has allowed them to reduce or eliminate their use of traditional pain medications, which can be highly addictive and have severe side effects. Patients also report improvements in their ability to sleep, eat, and participate in daily activities.
The legalization of medical marijuana has also had a positive economic impact on the state of Florida. The medical marijuana industry has created jobs and generated tax revenue for the state. According to a report by New Frontier Data, the medical marijuana industry in Florida generated $465 million in sales in 2020, and the industry is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
Despite the benefits of medical marijuana, there are still concerns about its potential risks. Marijuana use can have short-term effects such as impaired memory and concentration, and long-term use can lead to addiction and other negative health effects. However, these risks are generally considered to be lower than the risks associated with other prescription medications such as opioids.
To address concerns about the potential risks of medical marijuana, Florida has implemented strict regulations for the cultivation, processing, and distribution of medical marijuana. The state requires all medical marijuana products to be tested for purity and potency, and all dispensaries must be licensed and regulated by the state. Patients must also have a valid medical marijuana recommendation from a licensed physician and must obtain their medical marijuana from a licensed dispensary.
The legalization of medical marijuana in Florida has also had implications for criminal justice reform. Prior to the legalization of medical marijuana, possession and use of cannabis were illegal in Florida, and many individuals were arrested and incarcerated for non-violent drug offenses. The legalization of medical marijuana has reduced the number of individuals who are arrested and incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses, which has had a positive impact on communities and has reduced the burden on the criminal justice system.
In conclusion, the legalization of medical marijuana in Florida has brought about significant benefits for patients with debilitating medical conditions. Medical marijuana offers an alternative to traditional pain medications and has been shown to be effective in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions. The legalization of medical marijuana has also had a positive economic impact on the state and has contributed to criminal justice reform efforts. While there are still concerns about the potential risks associated with medical marijuana use, Florida has implemented strict regulations to ensure the safety and purity of medical marijuana products. Overall, the legalization of medical marijuana in Florida has been a positive step forward for patients, the economy, and criminal justice reform efforts.