How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida

What is an MMJ Card in Florida?

In Florida, a medical marijuana card (or an MMJ card) is a piece of identification that patients must apply for to use medical marijuana. A Florida MMJ card allows the user to buy medical marijuana from a state-licensed dispensary. The Controlled Substances Act bans the use of cannabis in the US. However, Florida's Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative allows patients with debilitating medical conditions to treat their symptoms with medical cannabis. Examples of debilitating medical conditions include ALS, cancer, Crohn's disease, epilepsy, and glaucoma.

The Florida Department of Health Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) implements the Department's medical marijuana rules. It also oversees the Medical Marijuana Use Registry, where eligible patients can register and apply for Florida medical marijuana cards.

Who Can Apply for an MMJ Card in Florida?

In Florida, the Medical Marijuana Use Registry provides medical marijuana cards for patients that:

• Are 18 years of age or older
• Under 18 patients must obtain parental consent​
• Have a qualifying medical condition
• Have their information on the registry via a licensed physician
• Are a Florida resident with proof of residency (a valid Florida driver's license or ID card will suffice)

Can a Minor Obtain a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida?

Although Florida's Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative primarily allows adults to apply for medical cannabis cards, it will enable minors under particular circumstances:

• Child applicants must have consent from their parents or legal guardians
• Both the child's primary care physician and a board-certified specialist must confirm that the child has one of the listed debilitating conditions
• Both the child's primary care physician and a board-certified specialist must confirm that medical marijuana will do the patient more good than harm
• The child's parents or legal guardians must give consent to act as caregivers for the child

The list of qualifying medical conditions for minors differs from the adult list. Below is the list of qualifying medical conditions for children:

• Cerebral Palsy
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Irreversible Spinal Cord Injury
• Severe Epilepsy
• Terminal Illness Requiring End-Of-Life Care
• Uncontrolled Intractable Seizure Disorder
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Osteogenesis Imperfecta

What Conditions Qualify for Medical Marijuana Cards in Florida in 2024?

Florida residents that want to apply for a medical marijuana card must have a current diagnosis for one of the state-approved medical conditions. You must visit a physician who will certify your diagnosis and enter your information into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry. The qualifying conditions are:

• Cancer
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• Terminal illness
• Chronic nonmalignant pain
• HIV/AIDS
• Crohn's disease
• Parkinson's disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

How Do I Apply for an MMJ Card in Florida in 2024?

Before you can buy medical cannabis from a Florida dispensary, you have to visit a licensed physician to recommend or prescribe cannabis. After the licensed doctor assesses you and recommends medical cannabis for your condition, they will forward that recommendation to the Florida Department of Health Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU).

Upon receiving the physician's recommendation, OMMU will email you your unique log-in details for the Medical Marijuana Use Registry in 7-21 business days. You will complete your application there. You must fill out all the sections and attach a copy of your valid Florida driver's license or state ID. The department charges a $75 application fee, payable by card or money order.

You can also submit your application by mail. To do so, print and complete a Patient Application form. Fill it and attach:

• A copy of your Florida driver's license or Florida identification card
• A full-face, color passport photograph
• A $75 check or money order

Applications for minors must include a caregiver application.

Mail the completed application to:

Office of Medical Marijuana Use

P.O. Box 31313

Tampa, FL 33631-3313

Once you complete this process, the Department will send you an email confirmation. You can visit a dispensary without waiting for the Department to mail your physical card with that email. Simply print out the email or download it on your device. Carry it, along with your photo ID, to any state-licensed dispensary. The staff will look up your listing and let you make your purchase immediately.

How Does a Primary Caregiver Get a Florida MMIC?

A Florida cannabis caregiver is someone who purchases, stores, and dispenses medical cannabis on behalf of a registered patient. Parents and legal guardians can act as caregivers for minors, as they cannot buy cannabis. On the other hand, an adult may serve as a caregiver for another adult if they cannot visit a dispensary or handle their medication.

To qualify as a caregiver in Florida, you must meet the following conditions:

• You must be at least 21 years of age and a Florida resident
• You cannot be a qualified physician
• If you are not one of the patient's close relatives, you must pass a background check.
• You cannot be an employee of a medical marijuana treatment center or marijuana testing laboratory. You also cannot have any economic interest in them
• You must provide a written agreement to assist the qualified patient in their use of medical cannabis products
• You must undertake a caregiver certification course by the Florida Department of Health

To apply for a Florida caregiver medical marijuana card, start by confirming that your patient is qualified for a medical cannabis card by visiting a state-licensed physician. If the physician agrees your patient could benefit from cannabis therapy, they will send a recommendation to OMMU and list you as the caregiver.

OMMU will process the physician's recommendation and email your unique log-in details for the Medical Marijuana Use Registry in 7-21 business days; You must log in to the Registry to complete your application. Fill out all the sections and attach a copy of your valid Florida driver's license or state ID and proof of residency. The department charges a $75 application fee, payable by card or money order.

You can also submit your application by mail. To do so, print and complete a Caregiver Application form. Fill it and attach:

• A copy of your Florida driver's license or Florida identification card
• A full-face, color passport photograph
• A $75 check or money order

The Department will send you an email confirmation after receiving your application. This email allows you to visit a state-licensed dispensary on your patient's behalf. You can print it out and carry it, along with your photo ID, to any state-licensed dispensary.

How long does it take to get a Florida MMIC?

The Florida Department of Health Office of Medical Marijuana Use typically takes 7 - 21 days to respond to medical marijuana card applications. While requesters can apply online or by mail, the Department guarantees faster responses for those who submit online applications.

Getting a Florida Medical Marijuana Card Online

The Florida Department of Health Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) accepts online applications for medical marijuana cards. The first step in the application is visiting a state-licensed physician who will recommend the OMMU on your behalf.

After receiving the physician's recommendation, OMMU will email you your unique log-in details for the Medical Marijuana Use Registry in 7-21 business days. You will complete your application there. You must fill out all the sections and attach a copy of your valid Florida driver's license or state ID. The department charges a $75 application fee, payable by card or money order.

Once you complete this process, the Department will send you an email confirmation. You can visit a dispensary without waiting for the Department to mail your physical card with that email.

How Much Does a Medical Marijuana Card Cost in Florida?

The Florida Department of Health Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) charges $75 to obtain or renew a medical marijuana card. It also charges $15 to replace lost, stolen, or damaged cards.

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Medical Cannabis Card in Florida?

Before applying for a Florida medical cannabis card, you must have the following documents:

• A physician's recommendation - sent to OMMU on your behalf
• Proof of Florida residency - like a driver's license or state ID

Are My Details Kept Confidential When I Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects medical patients' confidentiality rights across the United States. The Florida Department of Health Office of Medical Marijuana Use operates under HIPAA guidelines and ensures that it keeps your details confidential when you get a card.

What Information Appears On A Florida Medical Marijuana Card?

When you apply to the Florida Department of Health Office of Medical Marijuana Use for a medical marijuana card, you get one with the following details.

• Name
• Status: Patient or Caregiver
• The patient's address and date of birth
• The patient or caregiver's identification number
• The card's issuance and expiry date

Can Someone Track Me Down Through The Florida Registry?

The Florida Department of Health Office of Medical Marijuana Use per Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act(HIPAA). Your information is confidential and available only to law enforcement or other state agencies.