To legally buy and possess cannabis in Florida, an eligible patient or caregiver must obtain the state’s medical marijuana use registry (MMUR) identification card. The Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) administers Florida’s medical marijuana program and issues medical cannabis cards. Florida requires each patient applying to join its medical marijuana program to visit a qualified physician to recommend medical cannabis use. Such physicians initiate patients' registration in the Florida medical marijuana registry.
Consulting a physician is an important first step when applying for a Florida medical marijuana card. The physician must confirm that the patient has been diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition and would benefit from the medical use of cannabis. The physician is also responsible for entering the patient’s details in the Florida MMUR. These details include the identity of the patient’s caregiver, for minors and adult patients requiring assistance. Florida publishes a list of qualified physicians that can recommend and prescribe medical marijuana and low-THC cannabis in the state. Applicants can also search for certifying physicians by specialty. Physicians charge different fees for patient consultation and recommendations for medical marijuana use. Patients can expect to pay $300 or more for such visits.
The OMMU issues physical medical marijuana cards to successful applicants. It charges $75 for each patient or caregiver MMUR ID card it issues. It accepts money orders and checks for paper applications mailed to its address. Note that there is a $2.75 convenience fee for those submitting online applications and paying with credit cards and electronic checks. A declined fee also attracts an additional $15 service fee. These fees apply to both patients and caregivers. Florida charges the same fees for its medical marijuana card renewal as for initial registration.