Medical cannabis has demonstrated benefit in a broad range of illnesses, both psychiatric and physiological. However, it is not appropriate for everyone. Patients must work with a qualified provider and meet certain criteria in order to be eligible for a medical marijuana license. Read our article to find out more about who qualifies for medical marijuana in Florida.
Criteria for Medical Cannabis in Florida
In order to get a medical marijuana card in Florida, you must first receive an eligible diagnosis from a medical provider, such as a physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, psychologist, etc. After the initial diagnosis is made, your provider may then refer you to another healthcare professional who is qualified to recommend medical marijuana in the state of Florida.
Qualified providers are individuals that are licensed to practice medicine in Florida and have completed a required continuing education course regarding the use and safety of cannabis for certain conditions.
Providers who have completed the CE requirements are registered as having done so through the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU). There are currently around 2000 certified medical marijuana physicians in Florida. You can find a qualified provider by visiting the OMMU website and searching the registry.
Medical Marijuana in Florida Qualifying Conditions
Patients receiving medical marijuana in Florida must be current or seasonal residents. They must also be diagnosed with an eligible medical condition*, specified by the OMMU. Currently, these medical diagnoses include:
- PTSD
- Crohn’s Disease
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Parkinson’s Disease
- ALS
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
A patient may also be eligible for a medical marijuana card in Florida if they have a medical condition in the same class as or comparable to the ones listed. For example, a patient suffering from anxiety may be recommended medical marijuana, since it is in the same class as PTSD.
Likewise, a patient may receive a medical marijuana card if he or she has chronic, nonmalignant pain caused by an eligible condition, or pain that persists beyond the normal duration of the qualifying condition. For example, a patient may experience persistent pain following cancer remission. This may entail continued usage of medical marijuana in Florida.
Finally, a patient may be recommended medical marijuana if he or she has been diagnosed with a terminal illness by a provider other than the one issuing the cannabis certification.
*Having a qualifying condition does not necessarily mean your provider will recommend medical marijuana. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best course of treatment for your particular symptoms. This may involve cannabis, or it could involve a combination of traditional and non-traditional therapies.
Medical Marijuana Clinic in Destin
There are just six providers qualified to provide medical marijuana in Destin, Florida. Of these six, two are on staff at the Crane Center. Dr. Eric Goldberg and Dr. Timothy Tuel have years of experience diagnosing and treating a variety of mental health and physical ailments. Their approach includes both traditional therapies and non-traditional routes, including cannabis and ketamine when appropriate. Whether you are suffering from anxiety, chronic pain, or another disabling condition, you deserve to feel better. Contact our office to schedule your first appointment today.