The application for medical marijuana is something that a lot of potential medical marijuana patients worry about. It is because of that worry that they refrain from seeking the relief that medical cannabis can bring for symptoms of debilitating diseases like multiple sclerosis. Today we hope to eliminate some of that worry as we go over the application step by step.
Application For Medical Marijuana: A Step By Step Guide
So, let’s dive right into what you need to know…
The First Step
The first step in the application process for medical marijuana in Florida is to be diagnosed by a qualified doctor as having one of the many conditions that medical marijuana has been shown to improve the symptoms of, these include:
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Crohn’s Disease
- HIV/AIDS
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Medical conditions of the same kind or class or comparable to
the ones listed above - Chronic nonmalignant pain that is caused by or that originates
from a qualifying medical condition and persists beyond the usual
course of that qualifying medical condition. - A terminal condition diagnosed by a physician other than the
qualified physician issuing the physician certification
This doctor must be qualified to prescribe medical marijuana.
The Second Step
The second step in the diagnosis process is for the qualified physician to enter your information in to the Medical Marijuana Use Registry. This is done electronically. Once your doctor has entered your information into the registry, this means that you are free to apply for a medical marijuana use card in the state of Florida. You MUST have a valid card in order to legally use medical cannabis. In order to obtain your card, you MUST be entered into the database by a recognized and qualified physician.
The Third Step
The third step in the process of obtaining medical marijuana is to apply for your Medical Marijuana Use Registry identification card. You MUST have this card in order to fill your prescription. Caregivers may also obtain a registry card IF certain requirements are met. If you require a caregiver, you should discuss the caregiver’s card with your physician to find out the specific requirements your caregiver needs before they can obtain a registry card to pick up your prescription for you. Applications can be filled in online so long as your information has been entered into the registry by your physician.
The application form itself is very straight forward. You will notice that your photograph has already been entered into your registry account straight from your driver’s license or state ID card. If you do not see a photograph uploaded, you will need to contact your prescribing physician to ensure that your information was entered into the database correctly.
Next, you want to upload a copy of your Florida Driver’s License or Florida Identification card under the Proof of Residence section of the application. Once you have uploaded your proof of residence, you will be asked to digitally sign your application. You do this by typing out your name in the designated boxes. Now you want to submit your application. Once you do this, you will be reminded that you have to pay the $75 fee.
You can pay your fee online by going to the “Payment Record” section of your registry account online. Here you will be able to pay the fee online or retrieve the appropriate information for making a payment by mail. (To pay by mail you can send your check to Florida Department of Health, ATTN: Office of Medical Marijuana Use, P.O. BOX 31313, Tampa, FL 33631-3313)
If you choose to pay online you will be charged an additional $2.75 payment processing fee. Although you will pay a couple of dollars more, paying your fee online is a much faster way to get your prescribed medical cannabis since you do not have to wait for mail delivery.
This application and fee must be renewed and paid each year. When renewing your card, it’s important that you do so 45 days prior to the expiration date on your current card.
The Final Step
The final step in this whole process is to have your application approved. Once your application is approved, you can fill your prescription at a qualifying medical cannabis dispensary. You can find information on locations near to you through your account on the Medical Marijuana Use Registry database website.
Are You Interested in Consulting With Our Medical Marijuana Doctor?
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