Patient’s Guide to Applying for your Medical Marijuana Card in Florida

Eligibility requirements include:

• Be a permanent or “seasonal resident” of the state of Florida (as defined in section 381.986(5)(b) of the Florida Statutes).
  http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0381/Sections/0381.986.html
• Be diagnosed with a “qualifying medical condition” as determined by a qualified physician.
• Be entered into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry.
• Approval of your completed application by the state of Florida – typically takes about 2 weeks – followed by issuing of your state approved ‘Medical Marijuana Use Registry Identification Card.’

Ultimately, you will need to be evaluated by a state-certified Medical Marijuana doctor – such as Dr. DiDonna – who will determine whether it is medically appropriate to consider treating your ailments with marijuana and/or any of its components.

What is a “Qualifying Medical Condition”?

• Cancer
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease
• Crohn’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• ***Medical conditions of the same kind or class as or comparable to the others listed.***
• A terminal condition diagnosed by a physician other than the qualified physician issuing the physician certification.
• Chronic nonmalignant pain caused by a qualifying medical condition or that originates from a qualifying medical condition and persists beyond the usual course of that qualifying medical condition.

***Whereas the other “qualifying conditons” are fairly specific, this condition provides patients and physicians a ‘gray-area’ to consider a large variety of conditions and even symptoms, based on their similarity to the other conditions listed. Pending appropriate medical evaluation by a qualified physician, other potentially qualifying medical conditions may include:

• Many chronic and/or incurable diseases
• Chronic pain and illness
• Nerve pain
• Chronic Muscle Spasms
• Nausea
• Loss of Appetite
• Weight Loss
• Gastrointestinal Distress
• Menstrual Cramping
• Difficulty Sleeping
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Seizures
• Migraines
• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia and many other “medical conditions of the same kind or class as or comparable to the others listed.”

How do I know if my medical condition(s) will be considered “qualifying medical condition(s)”?

You don’t. Only a state-certified Medical Marijuana physician can determine whether marijuana and/or its chemical components are an appropriate, eligible therapy for your medical condition(s). That being said, our office will provide a FREE, no-hassle, pre-qualification consultation by phone or email.

Contact our office today, by phone or email, to discuss whether your symptoms would qualify you to receive medical marijuana. We will happily answer any questions or concerns you may have while determining if medical marijuana could be the right treatment for you.

What do I have to bring to my first visit?

• State issued driver’s license or identification card. “Seasonal residents” will have to meet the requirements in accordance with section 381.986(5)(b) of the Florida Statutes.
• Any medical records which may support your claim(s) to potential “qualifying medical conditions.” Records from current or prior physicians may be faxed directly to our office prior to initial visit or brought in by the patient themselves at the time of visit.

New Age Medical Associates offers comprehensive evaluations and recommendations for medical marijuana to qualifying patients in Florida. We put your health, safety and comfort first.

Schedule Your No-Risk Initial Evaluation Today

Florida law requires that you undergo an initial in-person evaluation to determine your eligibility for medical marijuana and establish a relationship with your Florida Department of Health-certified physician. Complete the form below with your contact information and we will reach out to you, then we can schedule an in-person appointment.

You can find out more  at medical marijuana facts and questions.