Your First Medical Marijuana Consultation in Florida: What to Expect

Florida is now among 41 states across the nation where patients can legally access medical cannabis to help manage their health conditions. Florida's medical marijuana program is regulated by the Department of Health's Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU). 

Before a physician can issue an initial certification, you must have a qualifying medical condition and undergo an in-person examination with a qualified physician. At Medicus Cannabus, James O. Hill II, DO, provides medical marijuana consultations for patients exploring whether cannabis may be an appropriate part of their care. 

Learning what happens during the first visit can help you prepare for your consultation and know what comes next.

Preparing for your first consultation

Florida's medical marijuana program has a specific process designed to ensure patients receive an appropriate medical evaluation before receiving a recommendation. A qualified physician must determine that a patient has a qualifying medical condition and that medical marijuana is an appropriate treatment option.

Before your appointment, it’s helpful to gather information about your medical history, current medications, previous treatments, and the condition or symptoms you hope to address. Medical records documenting a qualifying condition can also be helpful.

Florida requires patients to meet specific eligibility requirements, including being a permanent or seasonal Florida resident and having a qualifying medical condition. 

What happens during your initial consultation?

Once your paperwork is complete, the consultation focuses on your health and whether medical cannabis makes sense for your overall care. Dr. Hill will discuss your symptoms, how they affect your daily life, and what you have already tried to manage them. 

This is also the time to ask any questions you may have about cannabis, possible interactions with other treatments, or what using medical cannabis may look like in your day-to-day routine.

Expect an open discussion where Dr. Hill will explain the potential benefits and limitations of medical cannabis based on your individual circumstances. 

Understanding your treatment plan

If you're approved for medical marijuana, Dr. Hill enters your information and orders into Florida's Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR). Dr. Hill also obtains your voluntary, written informed consent as required by Florida law.

Your certification specifies the treatment period and your authorized orders, including factors such as route of administration, dosage, and dosing frequency. Florida physicians can approve up to three 70-day supply limits at a time, giving you seven months of coverage before you'll need to check back in for a renewal.

What happens after the appointment?

After you’re entered into the MMUR, you must apply for your Medical Marijuana Use Registry identification card. The current state application fee is $75. Once approved, medical marijuana can be obtained from a licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MMTC), including through delivery.

What conditions qualify?

Florida law allows patients with certain medical conditions to receive medical marijuana certification. Some qualifying conditions include:

• Cancer
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Crohn's disease
• Parkinson's disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Chronic nonmalignant pain associated with a qualifying condition

Florida law also provides pathways for patients with a terminal condition diagnosed by a physician other than the qualified physician issuing the certification, as well as certain conditions that are comparable to the conditions specifically listed in the law.

The team at Medicus Cannabus can help you understand the process and what to expect as you move forward with your treatment.

Know what to expect

Your first medical marijuana consultation helps establish whether cannabis is medically appropriate for your circumstances and clarify what happens after certification.

If you're considering medical marijuana in Florida, contact Medicus Cannabus in Port St. Lucie or Lake City to schedule your consultation with Dr. Hill and take the first step toward understanding whether medical cannabis is right for you.