How To Get Medical Marijuana In Florida

Florida Medical Marijuana Card FAQ

Many potential patients wonder how to get medical marijuana in Florida and are looking for more details on how to obtain their Florida medical marijuana card, so Releaf Medical has developed a FAQ webpage to answer some of the most common questions asked. If you have questions for our Florida medical marijuana doctors or anything in regards to a Florida medical card chances are these questions are answered below. If you have a question about how to get medical marijuana in Florida and the question is not answered below or you do not feel like searching through an FAQ page then call the Releaf Medical marijuana clinic at 561-778-5323 or send us an email at [email protected] and a member of our knowledgeable staff will provide you with a detailed answer.

How To Get Medical Marijuana In Florida? Where Do I Begin?

The first step in how to get medical marijuana in Florida is to schedule an appointment with Releaf Medical or pick up the phone and give us a call. Patients are able to schedule on our website using the “schedule” option and will then select a service they would like to see our Florida medical marijuana doctors for. Releaf Medical marijuana clinic provides services for new patient medical marijuana card evaluations, re-evaluations, and patient transfers. The second step in the process is to receive an evaluation. Our certified Florida medical marijuana doctors will determine if a Florida medical card will best help the patient find relief. The third and final step in this process is the registration with the state of Florida. The Florida medical marijuana doctors at Releaf Medical can provide patients with same day approval. Patients will be able to register their Florida medical marijuana card application at the time of their appointment with the assistance from a staff member at Releaf Medical. All patients really have to do is show up at our clinic and we will handle everything for them!

Do I Need Medical Records For A Florida Medical Card?

The short answer is NO. One of the most common questions we receive at Releaf Medical is how to get a Florida medical marijuana card without medical records. If patients have their medical records on hand, that is fantastic, bring these records in with you at the time of your appointment. If patients do not have access to their medical records or are unable to provide medical records at the time of their appointment the staff at Releaf Medical will still be able to qualify the patient through other methods. Medical records and documentation are very useful in helping our Florida medical marijuana doctors determine a patient’s qualifying condition for a Florida medical card, but are not necessarily required. The Releaf Medical staff is able to obtain a patient’s previous medical records with a Medical Release Form that is included in our standard new patient intake forms. This Medical Release Form is HIPPA compliant and allows our staff to contact a patient’s previous physician or medical facility that a patient received treatment from and receive copies of the patient’s medical records. If previous medical records are not obtainable our staff is able to access the patient’s prescription history in E-FORSCE and the marijuana doctors at Releaf Medical evaluate each patient on an individual basis to determine the best qualifying condition for a Florida medical marijuana card. If the Releaf Medical marijuana doctors are not able to provide a potential patient with a qualifying condition for a Florida medical marijuana card there is no fee!

Can I Do The Evaluation Via Tele-Medicine?

If you are a new patient to the Florida medical marijuana program you must see a marijuana doctor for an in-person evaluation.   As of July 1st 2023 the state of Florida is now allowing tele-health for re-certification patients.  The state of Florida does require the patient must have seen the doctor for an in-person evaluation before tele-health is permitted.  If you are an existing patient with Releaf Medical and would like to attend your re-cerification appointment virtually please contact us.

Are My Medical Records Private?

Yes. Patients’ personal medical records are protected by HIPPA.

Who Can See I Have My Florida Medical Marijuana Card?

Only Releaf Medical staff, The Florida Department of Health, and Law Enforcement will be able to view patients that have a Florida medical marijuana card.

Can I Have A Concealed Weapons Permit And A Florida Medical Card?

This is a very common question and concern for many of the patients at Releaf Medical. The short answer to this controversial question is, as of right now, YES. No Florida resident has lost their right to carry their concealed weapon in the state of Florida as a result of getting their Florida medical card. The Florida Department of Health does not possess the ability to communicate with the Florida Department of Agriculture, as this would be in violation of HIPPA. Nikki Fried, Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner, has publicly stated that she will not revoke any resident of Florida’s right to carry a concealed weapon for obtaining their medical marijuana card in the state of Florida. However, Florida residents should be made aware that the federal government and ATF are not bound by the decision put in place by Commissioner Fried. There may also be restrictions put into place when purchasing firearms from a federally licensed firearm dealer, but there are no restrictions on purchasing firearms from local gun shops or from private gun owners when patients have both a concealed weapons permit and a Florida medical marijuana card. Releaf Medical recommends that patients contact an attorney that is knowledgeable in this matter or Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for a more detailed explanation. At Releaf Medical we passed the bong, not the Florida Bar exam, so we strongly suggest contacting the two entities mentioned above, which are more familiar with this matter.

How Will A Florida Medical Marijuana Card Affect My Employment?

Amendment 2 was passed in the state of Florida as a constitutional amendment. This means that any state or government funded agency that attempts to prevent a qualified medical marijuana treatment patient from using a Florida medical marijuana doctors recommendation is violating a patient’s constitutional rights. So if a patient works for a state or local government there is no issue with possessing a Florida medical card. With that being said, Florida is a right to work state, so if patients work for a private employer Releaf Medical suggests that patients discuss their medical marijuana treatment with their specific employer. Medical marijuana is still relatively new in the state of Florida so many private employers are still adjusting their personal HR restrictions. The staff at Releaf Medical are not legal experts and we urge all of our patients to err on the side of caution and speak to an attorney that is knowledgeable in this matter or to their company’s HR department directly.

Can I Get My Florida Medical Card While On Probation?

Florida state probation, YES, you can get your Florida medical card. Releaf Medical has assisted many patients that are on Florida state probation with obtaining their medical marijuana card. Amendment 2 was passed in the state of Florida as a constitutional amendment and this means that any state or government funded agency who hinders or deters a qualified medical marijuana treatment patient’s access to medical marijuana, once certified by a Florida medical marijuana doctor, would be violating a patient’s constitutional rights. If a patient is on drug offender probation or is on probation for a drug offense their probation officer may require them to fill out an additional form and have this form signed by our Florida medical marijuana doctors. Getting this form signed is not an issue, we process many of these forms for our patients at no extra cost.

Federal probation, NO, you are not able to get your Florida medical marijuana card. There is a big difference between federal probation and Florida state probation, as there are restrictions that come with being on federal probation. Medical marijuana treatment is not legal on a federal level, so if someone is on federal probation the use of medical marijuana is restricted.

If you would like additional information on how to get medical marijuana in Florida while on probation please give Releaf Medical a call at 561-778-5323 or reach us via email at [email protected].

Do I Need A Previous Diagnosis For A Florida Medical Card?

No. Releaf Medical has certified Florida medical marijuana doctors that will be able to verify a patient’s symptoms and recommend a medical marijuana treatment program. These medical marijuana recommendations are issued at the doctors discretion.

What Is The Cost Of Getting My Florida Medical Marijuana Card?

The Florida state required new patient evaluation for a Florida medical card is $150.00, but Releaf Medical provides many great discounts! To view details on these discounts please visit our “Pricing” webpage. The state of Florida application fee is $75.00, and this is an annual fee that is independent of Releaf Medical marijuana clinic and is paid directly to the state of Florida. The total cost for a new patient will be $225.00 and this includes 7 months of medical marijuana recommendations and 1 year Florida medical card at the Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry. In accordance with Florida law a medical marijuana patient must renew their recommendations with their medical marijuana doctor every 7 months. The cost for a re-evaluation appointment at Releaf Medical is $99.00, and this re-evaluation will provide a patient with another 7 months of medical marijuana recommendations. Releaf Medical provides out patients with a no risk, 100% money back guarantee. If patients do not qualify for a Florida medical marijuana card then there is NO CHARGE!

What If I Don’t Qualify For A Florida Medical Card?

Our evaluation fee is waived if our Florida medical marijuana doctors determine a patient does not qualify for medical marijuana treatment. Releaf Medical provides patients with a no risk, 100% money back guarantee! If you would like additional information on how to get medical marijuana in Florida please give Releaf Medical a call at 561-778-5323 or reach us via email at [email protected].

How Often Do I Need To See Florida Medical Marijuana Doctors?

Florida state law requires Florida medical marijuana doctors to evaluate their patients every 210 days, 7 months. The patient’s initial evaluation at our marijuana clinic will begin the 7 month time frame. A re-evaluation appointment is required after this 7 month period so that patients can meet and discuss their treatment with our Florida medical marijuana doctors. Releaf Medical will always remind our patients about re-evaluation appointments via phone call, email and text message to prevent any lapse in treatment.

What Payment Methods Are Offered?

Releaf Medical accepts all major credit cards including, Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express. Digital payments and cash are also accepted at our medical marijuana clinic.

Does Releaf Medical Accept Insurance?

No. Releaf Medical is not able to accept any form of insurance at the present time. While the use of medical marijuana is legal in the state of Florida under Amendment 2 it is still prohibited under federal law, so we are not able to accept any form of medical insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. Releaf Medical provides many great discounts, so please check out our “Pricing” webpage for more details.

Does Releaf Medical Offer A Payment Plan?

At the present time no, but we do offer discounts and a referral program. Patients of Releaf Medical have the ability to earn a FREE re-evaluation appointment through our referral program. Please review our “Pricing” page for more information on the discounts our medical marijuana clinic offers and review our “Referral & Affiliate” webpage for more information on how to earn a free re-evaluation.

How Long Does The Appointment Take?

An average new patient evaluation at Releaf Medical typically ranges from 15-30 minutes and will include the doctor consultation and the registration process with the state of Florida. This time frame varies depending on the patient as we do not limit a patient’s time with the doctor on staff to ensure all Releaf Medical patients leave fully satisfied with a comprehensive understanding of their customized medical marijuana treatment program.

The average re-evaluation appointment time ranges from 10-15 minutes as no state registration is required, only a marijuana doctor consultation. At Releaf Medical our primary concern is the education of patients on the medicinal benefits of medical marijuana and how to incorporate marijuana treatment products into their lives to provide relief from their chronic and debilitating chronic medical conditions.

What Can I Expect At My First Appointment With Your Florida Medical Marijuana Doctors?

For a patient’s initial Florida medical marijuana card evaluation they should arrive a few minutes early if they have not filled out the state required paperwork. If patients have already filled out the digital version of the state required forms that Releaf Medical sent over via email they can arrive at the scheduled appointment time. There is ample free parking around the Releaf Medical marijuana clinic and our location is very easy to find, but patients can always call our clinic if they need assistance with directions. When a patient arrives at the time of their appointment a Releaf Medical staff member will review the state required paperwork to ensure it is on file and filled out correctly with all required signatures and initials provided. A copy of a patient’s identification will be taken and additional documentation for seasonal residents will be reviewed. Patients will then be taken into our private and clean exam room where an evaluation will be performed by one of our team’s Florida medical marijuana doctors. The Releaf Medical marijuana doctor will determine what chronic or debilitating condition a patient will qualify under and develop a customized treatment program for this patient based upon the exam, personal lifestyle, and health history of the patient. Once the initial evaluation is complete a Releaf Medical staff member will review the marijuana doctors recommendation orders with the patient, register the patient with the state of Florida, assist the patient with paying the state of Florida application fee, and answer any additional questions the patient may have. A Releaf Medical staff member will also give some medical marijuana product examples and discuss new patient discounts at the Florida dispensaries. At the end of the initial evaluation the patient will be rescheduled for their 7 month re-evaluation appointment to ensure there is no lapse in treatment coverage. If you would like additional information on how to get medical marijuana in Florida please give Releaf Medical a call at 561-778-5323 or reach us via email at [email protected].

Can I Change My Florida Medical Marijuana Doctors?

Florida medical marijuana treatment patients have the right to change doctors at any time. Patients have the ability to log into their profile on the Medical Marijuana Use Registry and select the “Your Profile” option on the menu bar. Once this option is selected the patient will scroll down under the patient information details then select “Leave Your Current Physician” and save the changes made to the profile. The new medical marijuana doctor can assign your patient profile under their account and create new recommendations. If a patient would like assistance with removing their current physician or need to update information in the Medical Marijuana Use Registry they are able to contact a member of the Releaf Medical marijuana clinic six days a week.

Why Are My Marijuana Recommendations Only Valid For 7 Months?

Releaf Medical abides by the regulations set forth in SB-A of Florida state law that requires medical marijuana patients to be seen by their doctors every 210 days, 7 months. This is the maximum amount of time any doctor in the state of Florida can provide recommendations for the use of medical marijuana. The Office of Medical Marijuana Use in the state of Florida requires patients to have an in-person evaluation with a marijuana doctor every 7 months or 210 day period. There is no penalty or fee if patients do not receive an evaluation after 210 days, but they will not be able to place any new orders with dispensaries after their 7 month recommendations have expired. Patients are always welcome to be re-evaluated before this 210 day period and will not lose anytime on their existing orders, as the new orders will start once the existing orders expire. The staff at Releaf Medical will always inform our patients on when their 7 month period is coming to an end via phone call, email, and text.

Do I Have To Be A Permanent Resident To Get A Florida Medical Card?

No. Not a full time Florida resident, no problem, Releaf Medical can still show you how to get a Florida medical marijuana card. Temporary or seasonal residents of the state of Florida can apply for their Florida medical card through “seasonal residency.” A Florida ”seasonal resident” is defined as any person who temporarily resides in the state of Florida for a period of at least 31 consecutive days in each calendar year, maintains a temporary residence in the state of Florida, returns to the state or jurisdiction of their residence at least one time during each calendar year, and is registered to vote or pays income tax in another state or jurisdiction. Seasonal Florida residents must bring a state issued driver’s license, ID card, or passport and submit a copy of two of the following documents that are displayed below that show proof of their residential address in the state of Florida.

How Do I Prove Florida Residency?

Permanent Florida residents qualifying as new medical marijuana patients must provide proof of Florida residency with a valid Florida state drivers license, valid ID card, or a valid passport that displays a Florida address. The state of Florida will not accept expired ID’s or anything outside of these three options to provide Florida residency. The address displayed on the identification provided must be the same as the address provided when the patient registers with the Medical Marijuana Use Registry. The Medical Marijuana Use Registry database connects to the Florida state DMV records. New patients must bring in a form of photo identification at the time of their initial evaluation.

Seasonal Florida residents must bring a state issued driver’s license, ID card, or passport and submit a copy of two of the following documents that are displayed below that show proof of their residential address in the state of Florida.

  • A monthly mortgage statement, deed to a residential property, or residential rental or lease agreement
  • A work order or utility hook up dated within 60 days prior to registration in the Medical Marijuana Use Registry
  • A utility bill, that is not more than 60 days old
  • Mail from a financial institution, including savings, checking, or investment account statements not more than 60 days old
  • Mail from a government agency, municipal, county, state, or federal not more than 60 days old
  • Any other form of documentation that provides proof of residential address as determined by Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry department rule

If you have any questions about how to get medical marijuana in Florida or about the proof of residency requirements for the state of Florida please call Releaf Medical at 561-778-5323 and speak to a member of our knowledgeable staff.

What Happens If The Address On My Identification Is Not Where I Live?

If the address on a patient’s identification is not where they currently live the patient has two options.

  1. Patients can apply for a mail forwarding at USPS. The patient’s temporary Florida medical card will be sent to the patient’s email address by the state of Florida and this is all that is required to start purchasing products at dispensaries in Florida. The permanent Florida medical marijuana card will be sent out via regular mail to the address listed on the patient’s identification card and then through the USPS mail forwarding will be sent to the actual current address of the patient.
  2. The patient must go to the DMV and receive a new identification card or driver’s license with their current address.

Can Another Person Pick Up My Medication From A Dispensary?

Yes, but they must be the patient’s legal representative or caregiver. If a patient requires assistance due to their medical conditions, they may assign a Caregiver who can pick up, carry, and administer their medical marijuana products to them.
To become a Caregiver an individual must meet certain conditions*:

  • At least 21 years of age
  • Complete a certification course
  • Pass a background check
  • Submit a completed application (with a fee)
  • Cannot be a qualified physician or employed in a medical marijuana treatment center (dispensary)
  • Assigned within the Registry to a specific patient
  • Provide proof of Legal Representation (health care surrogate, power of attorney, or guardianship)

How Long After My Appointment Until I Can Purchase Products At A Dispensary?

Permanent Residents:

Permanent Florida residents will have same day approval.  The state of Florida will send a temporary medical marijuana card within a few hours of the patients initial appointment.  Once the patient receives this email they can go to any dispensary located in the state of Florida.  If you are a permanent resident of the state of Florida and have not received your temporary card within 3 hours of your initial appointment please call Releaf Medical for assistance.

Seasonal Residents:

The state of Florida will issue patients their temporary Florida medical card via email within 5-10 business days after the patient is registered with the Medical Marijuana Use Registry and the patient pays the state of Florida application fee. Once the patient receives their temporary Florida medical card via email from the state they can start purchasing products at any dispensary within the state of Florida. If a patient’s temporary card is not issued after 10 business days please contact Releaf Medical and a member of our staff will review the status of your card with the state of Florida.

What Is The Difference Between A Recommendation And A Prescription?

Florida marijuana doctors are not able to “prescribe” marijuana due to the fact prescription drugs are regulated by the federal government. Marijuana is still illegal under federal law, so medical marijuana “prescriptions” are not allowed. A medical marijuana recommendation is a statement from a patient’s state certified medical marijuana doctor that expresses in their professional view that medical marijuana treatment would be beneficial and allows the patient to purchase medical marijuana products from a state licensed medical marijuana treatment center.

What Medical Marijuana Delivery Routes Are Available?

  • Smokable Flower
  • Oral
  • Edibles
  • Topical
  • Sublingual
  • Inhalation
  • Suppository

For a more detailed description on each marijuana delivery route please view the “New Patient” webpage on our site and the descriptions of the routes are located under the section titled “Medical Marijuana Delivery Routes.”

What Is A Marijuana Delivery Device?

A marijuana delivery device is an object used, intended for use, or designed for use in preparing, storing, inhaling, ingesting, or otherwise introducing any medical marijuana product into the human body for consumption. Medical marijuana delivery devices are available for purchase at any licensed dispensary in the state of Florida for qualified medical marijuana treatment patients.

Does Florida Allow Smoking Marijuana?

Yes. As of March 2019 Florida state law permits the smoking of medical marijuana as a delivery route when recommended by Florida medical marijuana doctors. The Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use has set a maximum limit of 2.5 ounces of smokable marijuana flower within a given 35 day period of time. That is the maximum any medical marijuana doctor in the state of Florida may recommend.

Am I Safe To Carry Flower With My Florida Medical Card?

Yes, but keep in mind the same rules for alcohol apply for marijuana. You can’t drink and drive, so you are not allowed to smoke and drive. Medical marijuana treatment patients can purchase up to 2.5 ounces every 35 days and be in possession of 4 ounces at a time as long as the flower is in a marked container from a licensed medical marijuana treatment center.

How Much Flower Can I Legally Carry?

Medical marijuana treatment patients can purchase up to 2.5 ounces every 35 days and be in possession of 4 ounces at a time as long as the flower is in a marked container from a licensed medical marijuana treatment center.

How Much Medical Marijuana Can I Purchase At A Dispensary?

Smokable Flower
Patients have access to 2.5 ounces of smokable flower every 35 days. The smokable flower recommendations allow for six 35 day periods. Meaning patients can use as much as they would like at any given visit to the medical marijuana dispensary, but can only purchase a maximum of 2.5 ounces in a 35 day period. This is a state mandated limit and the limit can not be adjusted or exceeded.

All Other Delivery Routes
Patients recommendations for medical marijuana delivery routes reset every 70 days, meaning you have a milligram amount decided during a patients consultation with their marijuana doctor for each delivery route, oral, edibles, topical, sublingual, inhalation, and in some cases suppository. The above mentioned delivery routes allow for three 70 day periods. These delivery routes can be adjusted at any time, the state maximum is 24,500 milligrams in a 70 day period.

Can I Use My Medical Marijuana Card From Another State In Florida?

NO. While many states offer a reciprocity program Florida is not one of them. If you are a permanent or seasonal resident in the state of Florida you will need to apply and qualify for your Florida medical card. If you would like additional information on how to get medical marijuana in Florida please give Releaf Medical a call at 561-778-5323 or reach us via email at [email protected].

Can I Use My Florida Medical Marijuana Card In Another State?

The situation depends on the state the medical marijuana treatment patient is traveling to. Certain states do offer a reciprocity program, but patients with their Florida medical card will need to review the regulations for the specific state they are traveling to. Releaf Medical would like to inform patients that traveling with medical marijuana products across state lines is considered a felony. Even if the patient is traveling between two states that have medical marijuana laws in place the act of transporting a product across state lines falls under federal guidelines. If patients are unable to find information pertaining to the state they intend on traveling to please contact Releaf Medical and a member of our staff will review the situation and help you to the best of our ability.

Can I Grow My Own Medical Marijuana Flower?

NO. Only Florida state licensed medical marijuana dispensaries can cultivate and provide any kind of medical marijuana products to patients in the state of Florida. Florida does not allow medical marijuana treatment patients to grow or cultivate their own flower.

What Happens If I Need A New Florida Medical Card?

A change, replacement, or surrender request form, along with a copy of a patient’s Florida drivers license or identification card must be submitted to the Medical Marijuana Use Registry for a patient to receive a new Florida medical marijuana card or update the information on an existing Florida medical card. The cost for this replacement card with the Medical Marijuana Use Registry is $15.00. Releaf Medical advises patients that need a new Florida medical marijuana card to wait until they are ready to pay the annual fee of $75.00 because a new card will be issued to them at this time, and they will avoid the additional $15.00 fee.

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Learn How To Get Medical Marijuana In Florida