By Stacy Kehl, APRN, FNP-BC, Element Primary Care & Esthetics
In 2016, Florida voters approved marijuana for medical use. In 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law the right for patients who meet certain qualifications to legally possess marijuana for medical use (keep in mind, that possession of marijuana is still illegal by Federal law). Any level of legalization of marijuana have been hotly debated both in the U.S. and worldwide; however, users of medical marijuana almost universally endorse its positive effects on their quality of life. Potential users of medical marijuana should be aware of the risks and benefits of its use, and should consult with a knowledgeable physician before beginning treatment with marijuana. This article gives some of the practical information patients need to get started if they are interested in treatment with medical marijuana.
Who. Patients who are at least 18 years old and who have a qualifying condition are eligible for medical marijuana. Most patients who qualify for medical marijuana have tried at least one other pharmaceutical treatment for their condition(s), but this other treatment has inadequately controlled their symptoms. Patients must be a permanent resident of Florida (there are certain rules for temporary residents of Florida as well). There are also special rules governing the treatment of individuals under the age of 18, but generally it is reserved for cases of malignant pain or terminal illness (there are other conditions that may be considered). Florida law requires that two physicians certify marijuana use for a minor.
What. In Florida, low-THC cannabis and medical marijuana are legal. Low-THC products contain 0.8 percent or less of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and more than 10 percent of cannabidiol weight for weight. Medical marijuana, on the other hand, can contain significant amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the chemical compound that causes euphoria (“high”) commonly associated with cannabis, therefore, use of medical marijuana can lead to potent psychoactive effects in some patients.
Why. Patients with the following qualifying conditions are eligible to receive a Florida medical marijuana license and purchase products from licensed dispensaries: Cancer, Epilepsy, Glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple sclerosis (MS), Medical conditions of the same kind or class as or comparable to the others listed.
A terminal condition diagnosed by a physician other than the qualified physician issuing the physician certification.
Chronic nonmalignant pain caused by a qualifying medical condition or that originates from a qualifying medical condition and persists beyond the usual course of that qualifying medical condition (i.e., not all chronic pain qualifies for medical marijuana).
How. Patients must make an appointment with a physician (MD or DO) who is registered in the The Florida Department of Health Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU). Patients must provide documentation of their diagnosis (medical records from a provider who has diagnosed and/or is treating the patient for the qualifying condition). The OMMU-registered physician will evaluate the patient for appropriateness of treatment with medical marijuana, and will approve the patient for the Medical Marijuana Use Registry. After the physician and patient complete the registry requirements, the MMUR sends the patient an identification card. Florida currently allows for smokable forms of marijuana, inhaled forms, as well as oral formulations (tinctures, capsules, gummies, lozenges).
When. Initial certification occurs the first time a patient is registered into the OMMU. To maintain an active MMUR identification card, a patient and/or caregiver must annually submit a renewal application, along with the application fee and any required accompanying documents to the department forty-five (45) days prior to the card expiration date. Identification cards expire one year after the date of approval. Upon completion of the online process for the marijuana license, the MMUR will send the patient’s identification card in about 10 days, at which time the patient may purchase marijuana products from a dispensary.
Next steps. If you think you are a candidate for medical marijuana treatment, first speak with the healthcare provider who is currently treating you for a qualifying condition. Then, reach out to a physician who is registered on the Florida medical marijuana qualified physicians list and make an appointment for evaluation. If you’re living with a chronic disease or having difficulty with the side-effects of other treatments, consider what medical marijuana can do to improve your quality of life.
Element Primary Care + Esthetics welcomes Dr. Jason Browning, MD/PCB Cannabis Clinic. We are excited to help patients in need of medical marijuana. He is currently accepting new patients! Call (850) 708-1623 to schedule.
