Medical Marijuana
The term medical marijuana refers to using the marijuana plant to treat symptoms of illness and other conditions. Cannabinoids - the chemicals related to THC and CBD - have been found effective for decreasing pain, inflammation and muscle control problems, and are useful in controlling and possibly even treating mental illness and addiction.
For this reason, many researches, including those funded by the National Institute of Health, are exploring the possible uses of THC, CBD and other cannabinoids for medical treatment.
For this reason, many researches, including those funded by the National Institute of Health, are exploring the possible uses of THC, CBD and other cannabinoids for medical treatment.
Conditions that Qualify Patients for Medical Marijuana in Florida
The following conditions can qualify patients for medical marijuana in Florida:
Similarly, if you have an ailment of the same severity or with similar symptoms as the list above and you'd like to know if you qualify for medical marijuana, contact us to schedule an appointment. Our doctors will evaluate your condition and symptoms to determine if the use of medical marijuana would surpass any potential health risks in your specific case.
Our medical marijuana doctors are here to answer your questions. We perform evaluations for medicinal cannabis in accordance with Florida state law.
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
- Cancer
- Crohn's disease
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Seizures
- Chronic muscle spasms
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Similarly, if you have an ailment of the same severity or with similar symptoms as the list above and you'd like to know if you qualify for medical marijuana, contact us to schedule an appointment. Our doctors will evaluate your condition and symptoms to determine if the use of medical marijuana would surpass any potential health risks in your specific case.
Our medical marijuana doctors are here to answer your questions. We perform evaluations for medicinal cannabis in accordance with Florida state law.
Additional Qualifications to Become a Medical Marijuana Patient in Florida
In order to qualify for medical marijuana, you must also have the following qualifications.
- You must be 18 years of age or older.
- You must be a Florida resident with a valid Florida ID.
- You must obtain legitimate medical records from your primary care physician. Your physician must diagnose you with a debilitating medical condition, and you must be a patient of the ordering doctor for at least three months prior to the diagnosis.
- You're required to register with the Department of Health.
- You must be able to show through medical records that you've tried other treatments without success.
- Your doctor must determine the risks of use are worth the potential consequences.
How Does Medical Marijuana Work?
If you believe you qualify for medical marijuana or you would like to learn more, your first step is to set up an appointment with us here at Sarasota Medical Center.
If our physicians determine that cannabis is appropriate for you, we will enter an order into the statewide low-THC registry. You will then be directed to a dispensary operated by one of the state's five Dispensing Organizations. At the dispensary, the staff will verify your identity and then fill out the corresponding order.
Once your order has been filled and the order is cleared by the registry, you'll receive another order from one of our doctors to receive additional medical marijuana products.
If our physicians determine that cannabis is appropriate for you, we will enter an order into the statewide low-THC registry. You will then be directed to a dispensary operated by one of the state's five Dispensing Organizations. At the dispensary, the staff will verify your identity and then fill out the corresponding order.
Once your order has been filled and the order is cleared by the registry, you'll receive another order from one of our doctors to receive additional medical marijuana products.
Can Any Florida Doctor Prescribe Medical Marijuana?
The Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014 provides that medical marijuana can only be ordered by physicians who have completed an 8-hour course offered by either the Florida Medical Association or the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association. The physician must successfully pass an examination upon completion of the course.
The doctors at Sarasota Medical Center have completed the examination and are qualified to order medical marijuana.
The doctors at Sarasota Medical Center have completed the examination and are qualified to order medical marijuana.
Access to Medical Marijuana in Florida
Due to state law, medical marijuana patients cannot go to a pharmacy to fill a prescription for medical marijuana. Instead, our physicians supply patients with a medical marijuana recommendation in compliance with state law. Patients have to undergo a full physical examination and assessment of medical history before receiving a recommendation for a qualifying condition.
If you believe you qualify for medical marijuana or would like to learn more, please contact our office.
If you believe you qualify for medical marijuana or would like to learn more, please contact our office.