In Florida, patients with certain medical conditions may be eligible to receive a medical marijuana card. The qualifying conditions include:
- Cancer: A group of diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth.
- Epilepsy: A neurological disorder characterized by seizures.
- Glaucoma: A condition that causes damage to the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss.
- HIV/AIDS: A viral infection that attacks the immune system and can lead to serious illness.
- Crohn’s disease: An inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of the digestive tract.
- Parkinson’s disease: A neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement.
- Multiple sclerosis: A chronic autoimmune disease that affects the nervous system.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A mental health disorder that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): A progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
- Seizures: A sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain that can cause a variety of symptoms.
- 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 condition.
In addition, patients who suffer from a terminal condition diagnosed by a physician other than the qualified physician issuing the physician certification may also be eligible for medical marijuana treatment.
It’s important to note that patients must have a qualifying medical condition that has been diagnosed by a qualified physician, and they must be a resident of the state of Florida to be eligible for a medical marijuana card. Patients must also be at least 18 years of age, or have a parent or legal guardian who can act as their caregiver.
If a patient meets the eligibility requirements for a medical marijuana card, they can apply for a card through the Florida Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU). The OMMU will review the application to determine if the patient meets the qualifying conditions for medical marijuana use and issue the patient a medical marijuana card if approved.
