Ask Laughing Tree- Where Can I See An MMJ Dr In Florida?

Confused about Cannabis? Ask The Laughing Tree

This week Rafael asks… Where can I see a Dr in Florida to get #MMJ?

Rafael,

Thank you for an excellent question on obtaining medical marijuana in the State of Florida. It can be intimidating and a bit confusing when first trying to get access to cannabis; luckily, people in the industry wish to help you find relief for your ailment. Before you can even approach a doctor for a prescription, it’s beneficial to understand if you qualify.

Card Qualification

Get a Medical Marijuana card

Florida enacted the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014, and it went into effect January 1, 2015. Differing from other states, the program only allowed patients access to low THC cannabis. This would mean patients would receive higher CBD products with less “high” effects from THC. Under the Medical Cannabis Act, there are a number of requirements that need to be followed by both patients and physicians.

Patient must be a resident of Florida; this cannot be a person who lives in the state part time.
Patient is under the age of 18, a second physician must agree with the prescription.
Patient must suffer from cancer or chronically produce symptoms of seizures or severe muscle spasms.
No success with other treatments
Physician must determine the risks of cannabis are reasonable to the benefit of the patient.
Physician must register the patient in the Compassionate Use Registry.
Physician must maintain a patient treatment plan and submit the plan to the University of Florida, College of Pharmacy, for research.

Medical Marijuana can only be prescribed from physicians licensed under Chapters 458 and 459 of the Florida Statutes. Chapter 458 regulates allopathic physicians, 459 regulates osteopathic physicians. Before a physician can begin prescribing cannabis, they must complete an 8-hour course that teaches the uses, delivery methods, and the relevant state and federal laws of Medical Marijuana.

Amendment 2, which has been put on the ballot for Florida this year, would allow cannabis to be provided as treatment for a wider range of ailments.

cancer
epilepsy
glaucoma
HIV
AIDS
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Crohn’s disease
Parkinson’s disease
Multiple sclerosis

The 2016 Amendment goes further in depth with requirements for physicians, caregivers, patients and dispensaries.

Dispensaires/ Doctors

Medical Marijuana dispensary

The Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act allowed the Florida Department of Health to approve a limited number of dispensaries located in specific geographic regions. These dispensaries must meet specific requirements:

Registered nursery for at least 30 continuous years.
Provide appropriate infrastructure and personnel to prevent unlawful access.
Valid certificate of registration that allows cultivation of more than 400,000 plants.
Specific financial requirements.
All owners and managers must be fingerprinted and pass a level 2 background check.
Must employ a medical director licensed under Chapter 458 or 459 to supervise dispensing activities.

Here is a list of dispensaries that are located in Florida; they should each have a doctor on staff to assist you in applying for your medical card: