The History of Medical Marijuana in the United States
Marijuana has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, dating back to ancient China and Egypt. In the United States, cannabis was commonly used in the 19th century for medical purposes such as pain relief, appetite stimulation, and to treat conditions such as epilepsy and asthma. However, in the 20th century, marijuana was classified as a Schedule I drug, meaning it was considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
The Legalization of Medical Marijuana
Despite marijuana’s classification as a Schedule I drug, many states began to pass laws legalizing its use for medical purposes in the 1990s and early 2000s. In 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana, followed by Alaska, Oregon, and Washington in 1998. Today, medical marijuana is legal in 36 states and the District of Columbia.
The Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014
In Florida, the legalization of medical marijuana was a slow process. In 2014, the Florida legislature passed the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act, which allowed for the use of low-THC cannabis for patients with qualifying conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, and Crohn’s disease. However, the law was limited in scope and did not allow for the use of traditional marijuana.
Amendment 2
In 2016, Florida voters passed Amendment 2, which expanded the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act and allowed for the use of traditional marijuana for medical purposes. The amendment specified that patients with debilitating medical conditions, such as HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis, could qualify for medical marijuana.
Implementation of Medical Marijuana in Florida
Despite the passage of Amendment 2, the implementation of medical marijuana in Florida was slow and contentious. In 2017, the Florida legislature passed a law regulating medical marijuana, which was criticized by advocates for being too restrictive. The law required that patients have a 90-day relationship with a qualified physician before they could receive a recommendation for medical marijuana.
Current Status of Medical Marijuana in Florida
Today, medical marijuana is legal in Florida, but the implementation of the law continues to be a source of controversy. Some advocates have criticized the state’s medical marijuana program for being too restrictive, while others argue that it is too loosely regulated. The Florida Department of Health is responsible for regulating the state’s medical marijuana program, and patients must have a qualifying condition and a recommendation from a qualified physician to receive medical marijuana.
Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Florida
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Crohn’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Chronic nonmalignant pain
How to Obtain Medical Marijuana in Florida
To obtain medical marijuana in Florida, patients must follow these steps:
- Visit a qualified physician who can determine if the patient has a qualifying condition and if medical marijuana is an appropriate treatment.
- Register with the Florida Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use.
- Obtain a medical marijuana card from the Florida Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use.
- Visit a licensed medical marijuana dispensary and purchase medical marijuana.
Conclusion
The legalization of medical marijuana in Florida was a slow and contentious process, but today, medical marijuana is legal for patients with qualifying conditions. While the implementation of the law continues to be a source of controversy, medical marijuana has shown promise as a treatment for a variety of conditions and provides relief to many patients who might not otherwise have access to effective treatment options.
