While many Floridians recently voted in favor of adult-use recreational marijuana, Amendment 3 did not pass because it didn’t reach the 60% threshold. As a result, many people in Florida are now wondering if they qualify for medical marijuana and, if so, what it takes to get certified. Here’s what you need to know.
Meet Dr. David Berger
Hi, I’m Dr. David Berger, a board-certified pediatrician with over 30 years of experience. I’m also a certified medical marijuana provider in Florida, working with both children and adults. At Wholistic ReLeaf, we specialize in helping families navigate the medical cannabis landscape. We pride ourselves on offering safe, professional guidance, particularly for children, where I’ve been recognized as certifying more pediatric patients than any other doctor in the state. I also provide consultations for individuals outside of Florida who want expert guidance on medical marijuana usage, including dosage, product types, and administration methods.
Why I Supported Amendment 3
Some people were surprised that I supported Amendment 3, wondering if it would negatively impact my practice. However, my stance has always been in favor of legalizing marijuana—safely and responsibly. For me, it’s about ensuring access to products that have been thoroughly tested for safety, including checks for pesticides, heavy metals, and other toxins. It’s also about providing consistency—knowing that patients will get the same product each time, which is not guaranteed when buying from the street. For now, medical marijuana remains the legal option in Florida, a path we’ve been on since 2016.
How to Qualify for Medical Marijuana in Florida
To become a qualified patient in Florida, there are specific steps to follow:
- Residency: You must be a permanent or seasonal resident of Florida.
- Medical Diagnosis: You need a qualifying medical condition, which must be diagnosed by a physician.
- Registry: Your physician will enter you into the state’s Medical Marijuana Use Registry.
- ID Card: You must obtain a Medical Marijuana Use Registry Identification Card.
What Conditions Qualify?
Florida’s initial list of qualifying conditions includes:
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- PTSD
- ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
- Crohn’s Disease
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
Additionally, a clause allows for “similarly debilitating conditions,” meaning that conditions not explicitly listed but comparable in severity—like severe anxiety, autism, ADHD, and others—can also qualify.
What You Need to Know About the Certification Process
To get certified, you must:
- See a Physician: Your first appointment must be in-person with a certified MD or DO in Florida.
- Physical Exam: The physician will perform a physical exam. Subsequent renewals can often be done virtually.
- Second Opinion for Minors: If the patient is under 18, a second physician’s opinion is required, confirming that the benefits outweigh the risks.
- Restrictions: Pregnant women cannot access THC products (though CBD is allowed), and minors cannot use cannabis in flower form.
Dosage, Limits, and Exemptions
Florida has specific guidelines for dosage:
- Non-Flower Forms: Up to 340 milligrams per 70 days across different product types (edibles, capsules, tinctures, vapes, etc.).
- Flower: Up to 2.5 ounces per 35 days.
- Exemptions: If the standard dosage isn’t sufficient for a particular condition, your physician can apply for an exemption to increase the limit.
Getting Your Medical Marijuana Card
Once you’re entered into the registry, you’ll need to complete the registration with a valid photo ID. If you have a Florida driver’s license or state ID, the process is often instantaneous. For children or those without a photo ID, the process may take an additional 10 days.
Caregivers can also be designated for minors, with up to two adults authorized to purchase and administer the medication.
Why Choose Wholistic ReLeaf?
At Wholistic ReLeaf, we are committed to helping our patients live healthier, more comfortable lives. For many, medical cannabis can reduce or even replace other medications, and we’re here to provide guidance every step of the way. Our expertise, particularly in pediatric and senior care, means that we understand the unique needs of children, who are not just small adults. Proper dosing and the right administration methods are crucial, especially for young patients.
If you’re curious about medical cannabis, whether for yourself or a loved one, visit us at Wholistic ReLeaf. We’re here to provide safe, compassionate, and knowledgeable care. And if you’re interested in a consultation with an expert, we’re only a call or a click away.
Let’s continue to support the movement for safe and effective cannabis use in Florida!