FAQ

WHAT IF I DO NOT SUFFER FROM A QUALIFYING CONDITION?

Florida’s Constitution grants physicians the authority to certify those who suffer from “medical conditions of the same kind or class as or comparable to those enumerated.”

DO I NEED TO BE A FLORIDA RESIDENT TO RECEIVE TREATMENT?

No. State law permits “seasonal residents” with debilitating conditions to be certified, but you must spend at least 31 consecutive days in Florida each year.

IS MEDICAL CANNABIS ACTUALLY A PRESCRIPTION?

No. Medical Cannabis is a "recommendation," since federal law currently prohibits its use. A medical cannabis doctor merely recommends a specific amount for the patient. This amount is not to be exceeded.

ARE MEDICAL CANNABIS LICENSES FROM OTHER STATES VALID IN FLORIDA?

CAN ANY KIND OF DOCTOR CERTIFY A PATIENT AND ENROLL THEM IN THE COMPASSIONATE USE REGISTRY?

No. In Florida, doctors must first receive special training and register with the Florida Department of Health as a medical cannabis doctor.

CAN A MINOR BE ENROLLED IN THE COMPASSIONATE USE REGISTRY?

Yes, with the written consent of the parent or legal guardian and after receiving medical marijuana certification from a total of two doctors.

DOES A FLORIDA MEDICAL CANNABIS CARD EXPIRE?

Yes. Medical Cannabis cards are valid for only one year in the state of Florida.

CAN I RENEW MY MEDICAL CANNABIS CARD?

Yes. A patient can be recertified after receiving a new evaluation by a medical cannabis doctor. Once the Florida Department of Health receives the new application, a new ID card will be issued. (It is recommended that patients submit a new application at least 45 days prior to the expiration of a current card. This will prevent any lapse in coverage and legal protection.)

WILL MY INFORMATION REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL AFTER ENROLLING IN FLORIDA'S MEDICAL CANNABIS PROGRAM?

Yes. HIPPA laws and confidentiality agreements prevent a patient’s information from being shared. Only the following individuals have access to the Compassionate Use Registry database:

• The office of the medical cannabis doctor who evaluates the patient

• The medical cannabis patient and/or their legal representative

• The Florida Department of Health's Office of Compassionate Use employees responsible for maintaining the database

• Medical Cannabis dispensaries/growers who provide the patient with medical cannabis (as it is necessary to verify the patient's status with the Compassionate Use Registry)

• Local and state law enforcement, in the event that the patient is found in possession of medical cannabis

CAN MEDICAL CANNABIS BE PURCHASED FROM A PHARMACY?

No. Medical Cannabis can only be legally obtained from a licensed medical cannabis grower/dispensary (otherwise known as MMTCs in Florida).

DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?

No. Although medical cannabis is legal in the state of Florida, it is still prohibited under federal law. Therefore, insurance companies are unable to provide reimbursement.