getting your card
Florida Marijuana Card Laws
In 2016, Florida voters legalized medical marijuana with the passage of the Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative, also known as Amendment 2. Several months later, Senate Bill 8A was passed, outlining rules for use and administration.
Importantly, on March 18, 2019, Governor DeSantis signed Senate Bill 182 into effect. This new law made smoking medical marijuana legal! (For more details on the back-and-forth leading up to Senate Bill 182, see our earlier post: Florida’s Medical Marijuana Smoking Ban.)
Medical Marijuana Card Steps
Before purchasing cannabis from a licensed MMTC, or dispensary, patients must first visit a physician who has completed the state-mandated education requirements to recommend, or prescribe, medical marijuana.
After the certified physician has determined that the patient is in fact eligible (more on eligibility requirements, below), the physician then forwards their recommendation to the Florida Department of Health. The Florida Department of Health issues the patient website login credentials, after which the patient is able to pay the state-required fee of $75 online and complete their application.
Within 7-21 business days, the Florida Department of Health will send approval confirmation via email. At this point, patients may begin purchasing medical marijuana products – even before their official medical marijuana card arrives!
According to Florida state law, patients must visit their medical marijuana physician (in-person) every 210 days to renew their certification.
OMMU
The Florida Department of Health Office of Medical Marijuana Use
In June 2017, Senate Bill 8A amended section 381.989, Florida Statutes, and includes provisions directing the Florida Department of Health to develop a statewide public service education campaign to inform and educate Floridians on newly established medical marijuana laws and the importance of responsible use.
As Florida's Official Source for Responsible Use, the Florida Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use is dedicated to offering the most current and accurate information surrounding medical marijuana in Florida. Below, you will find helpful information and resources to ensure the safe and legal use of medical marijuana by you and your loved ones.
OMMU Educational Materials:
Leafly
To be the world’s destination to discover, find, and buy cannabis.
A world where everyone can experience the benefits of cannabis.
Leafly is the world’s online destination to learn about cannabis, find cannabis strains and products, and buy them from legal, licensed retailers. More than 100 million people visit us each year because of our proven commitment to education and science-based information.