Understanding the Legality of Medical Marijuana in Florida
In November 2016, Florida passed Amendment 2, legalizing medical marijuana for patients with qualifying medical conditions. The amendment allows for the use of marijuana as a treatment for conditions such as cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis, among others. However, patients must obtain a medical marijuana card from a qualified physician and purchase their medication from a licensed dispensary. It’s important to note that recreational use of marijuana is still illegal in Florida.
Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Florida
To qualify for medical marijuana in Florida, patients must have a debilitating medical condition. These conditions include:
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Crohn’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Chronic nonmalignant pain caused by a qualifying medical condition or that originates from a qualifying medical condition and persists beyond the usual course of that condition
- Terminal conditions
Each case is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and physicians have the discretion to prescribe marijuana to patients who they believe will benefit from it.
Cost of Medical Marijuana in Florida
Medical marijuana in Florida is subject to a 6% state sales tax. Additionally, some local governments may add a local tax on top of the state tax. Patients can expect to pay about $50 to $60 for an eighth of an ounce of medical marijuana, which is the equivalent of about 3.5 grams. However, prices can vary depending on the strain and potency of the marijuana.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Medical Marijuana in Florida
Several factors can affect the cost of medical marijuana in Florida:
- Quality of the marijuana: Higher quality marijuana tends to be more expensive.
- Strain: Different strains of marijuana have different prices, with some being more expensive than others.
- Potency: More potent strains of marijuana tend to have a higher price point.
- Dispensary: Prices may vary between dispensaries.
It’s also worth noting that the cost of medical marijuana in Florida is not covered by insurance. Patients must pay out of pocket for their medication.
Dispensaries in Florida
There are currently over 200 licensed medical marijuana dispensaries in Florida. Patients must purchase their marijuana from a licensed dispensary and cannot grow their own marijuana plants.
Finding a Dispensary
Patients can search for dispensaries near them on the Florida Department of Health’s website. Each dispensary may have different products and prices, so it’s important to research and compare different options before making a purchase.
Types of Products
Medical marijuana in Florida is available in several forms, including:
- Flower: The most common form of marijuana, which can be smoked or vaporized.
- Concentrates: Highly potent extracts of marijuana that can be smoked, vaporized, or added to food.
- Edibles: Food products infused with marijuana, such as gummies or brownies.
- Topicals: Lotions or balms infused with marijuana, which can provide localized relief for pain or inflammation.
Different dispensaries may carry different products, so patients should research their options before making a purchase.
Conclusion
Medical marijuana can be a useful treatment option for patients with qualifying medical conditions. However, patients must obtain a medical marijuana card from a qualified physician and purchase their medication from a licensed dispensary. The cost of medical marijuana in Florida can vary depending on several factors, including the quality and potency of the marijuana, as well as the dispensary. Patients should research their options and compare prices before making a purchase.
