Florida is well-known for its “snowbirds,” seasonal residents that flee from the cold of northern states to enjoy our mild winters. We have received questions from many of them about whether they are allowed to medical marijuana here in Florida even though they don’t live here full time. Here’s what you need to know!
As long as you live in Florida for that long and have identification paperwork, you can apply with the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) for a Medical Marijuana Card just like a year-round resident. You will have to undergo the same procedures:
- Find a doctor who is qualified to diagnose your illness and prescribe medical marijuana.
- Get educated on the laws and apply for a card. There is a fee payable to the state for the card.
- File your application and get confirmation from the state, then find your closest dispensary.
- Present your card to the official there and you’ll be able to buy legal medical marijuana for your use!
In order for you to get your card, you will need to prove to the OMMU that you are a resident. Here are some ways you can do that:
- Give them a copy of your valid Florida driver’s license or a copy of your valid Florida identification card.
- If you are unable to get these due to your seasonal status, you may present a copy of two of the following documents to show proof that you have a residential address in Florida:
a. A deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, mortgage payment booklet or residential rental or lease agreement.
b. A utility hookup or work order dated within 60 days before registration in the medical use registry.
c. A utility bill, not more than 2 months old.
d. Mail from a financial institution, including checking, savings, or investment account statements, not more than 2 months old.
e. Mail from a federal, state, county, or municipal government agency, not more than 2 months old.
As of this writing, medical marijuana is legal in 33 states and Washington, D.C. If you are vacationing in Florida from one of these areas and you are taking cannabis for medical reasons, don’t risk taking your cannabis across state lines! Get certified here instead and you’ll be able to continue taking cannabis medication without risk of arrest.
If you live in a state that doesn’t have legal medical marijuana, but you want to see if it can help you, it may be possible for you to give it a try safely and legally in Florida depending on your condition. Only a few diseases are eligible for medical marijuana treatment by Florida Law. Our doctors can give you a diagnosis for your condition and see if you qualify. If you have been diagnosed out of state, you’ll need to be rediagnosed here by a qualified doctor so you can get certification.
If you have any other questions or need further information, please let the staff at Dr. Green Relief know!