To use marijuana for medical purposes in the state of Florida, you must be certified by a qualifying physician in the state. Florida does not accept out-of-state medical cannabis cards. To purchase and use medical marijuana, you must qualify as a seasonal or permanent resident. 

When you come for your certification appointment with Dr. Qureshi, she conducts a thorough evaluation of your health status to diagnose your condition. You could also bring proof of diagnosis of a qualifying medical condition provided by another medical doctor. 

The staff then sends a recommendation to the Florida Department of Health to notify them of your eligibility. They’ll reach out and ask you to set up an account online to confirm your residency. Once you complete the account setup and pay the state-required fee, you receive your medical marijuana card. 

What conditions qualify for medical marijuana use?

You must have a diagnosis of one of the following conditions to qualify for medical marijuana:

• Epilepsy
• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• HIV/AIDS
• Crohn’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Multiple sclerosis

Medical conditions that fall into the same class as these conditions or are comparable to them may also qualify. Dr. Qureshi can help you determine if you qualify and how medical marijuana can help you. 

How does medical marijuana help my condition?

Compounds, known as cannabinoids, found in marijuana can positively affect certain conditions. You can smoke, inhale a vapor, eat, or consume tinctures of marijuana. The effects may differ depending on your chosen method of consuming the product. 

You may find that use of marijuana eases anxiety if you have PTSD or a mood disorder. Cannabinoids can also help relieve pain, especially hard-to-treat nerve pain. Marijuana can also control nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy for cancer. Using marijuana can also make a person feel like eating, especially when they have a wasting disorder like HIV/AIDS or cancer.   

Find out if you qualify for medical marijuana use and get the approval to use it legally in the state of Florida by contacting the Family and Internal Medicine Center. Call today or use the online tool to make your appointment.