Marijuana Telemedicine in Florida
If you live in Florida and use medical marijuana, you’ve probably heard about telemedicine. It’s easy to think you can do everything online, but Florida law doesn’t work that way. House Bill 387 (HB 387) changed the rules in 2023. Here’s what it means for you:
- Initial certifications still require an in-person visit with a qualified doctor.
- Renewals and follow-up appointments can now be done through telehealth.
This detail matters because many websites make it sound like new patients can get their card fully online. That’s not the case.
Your first appointment must happen face-to-face. After that, you can renew from home using secure video calls with a licensed physician.
Benefits of Florida Marijuana Telemedicine
Telehealth for renewals provides definite advantages for any patient with a medical card. You will always have to see a provider for the first office visit, but renewing your services online helps simplify the process.
Patients Like It Due To:
- Convenience – you can see your doctor from anywhere in Florida. No need to drive to a clinic.
- Time savings – appointments are quicker and you don’t have to work around your whole schedule.
- Discreet and safe visits – all telemedicine platforms are HIPAA compliant, so your medical information is safe.
- Access for rural areas – you can stay home and have medical care even if you are hours from a city. Telemedicine appointments limit travel and keep care local.
Because the telehealth options do not change the time to get state approval. The Department of Health takes approximately 7-14 days to process updates so you should plan accordingly as card expiration approaches.
In order to obtain your medical marijuana card online and benefit from medical marijuana doctor telehealth services, patients will need to meet certain qualifying legal and medical criteria.They must also have one or more of the following qualifying conditions:
AIDS / HIV
Cachexia
Chronic Pain
Cancer
Sickle Cell Anemia
Persistent Nausea
Seizures
Parkinson’s Disease
PTSD
Steps to Get a Florida Medical Marijuana Card with Telehealth
Getting certified involves a few key steps. Let’s clear up how telehealth fits into the process.
- Initial appointment (in person only) – The very first step requires you to meet a qualified medical marijuana doctor in person. They’ll review your medical history and decide if you qualify under Florida law.
- Entry into the MMUR – Once approved, your doctor adds you to the Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR), the state’s official system for patient tracking.
- Apply for your card – You’ll submit your application online with the Department of Health. Approval usually takes 7–14 business days.
- Renewal appointments (telehealth allowed) – For future certifications, you don’t need to go back in person. You can meet your medical marijuana doctor through telehealth for renewals. This is where Florida cannabis telemedicine becomes useful.
So, if you’re new to medical cannabis in Florida, remember: you must see a doctor face-to-face first. After that, your follow-ups and renewals can happen online.
How Soon Can I Get a Florida Medical Marijuana
Card With Telemedicine?
The timeline for getting your card hasn’t changed with telehealth. Even though renewals can be done online, the state approval process is the same.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Doctor certification – The same day as your appointment.
- State approval – About 10–14 business days once you submit your online application.
- Total time – Usually 2–3 weeks before you receive your active card.
If you’re already in the MMUR and you renew through cannabis telehealth, your doctor updates your profile right away.
You can often see the update in the registry the same day, but card delivery or digital approval still follows the Department of Health’s schedule.
This makes it simple to renew a medical marijuana card online in Florida once you’ve gone through the initial in-person step.
Stay on Track with Florida Cannabis Telemedicine
If you’re already certified for medical marijuana in Florida, telemedicine renewals save you time and stress.
You can connect with your doctor online, keep your card current, and avoid last-minute lapses in the registry. Just remember, your first visit still needs to be in person.
Ready to keep your certification active? Schedule your renewal today with an online medical marijuana doctor and make the process as smooth as possible. Getting your Florida medical card online has never been easier once you’re already in the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are medical marijuana appointments available through telehealth in Florida?
Yes, but only for renewals and follow-ups. First-time patients must meet a doctor in person before using telehealth for future appointments.
Can I get my first medical marijuana card online Florida?
No. State law requires your first certification visit to be in person. Telehealth is available only after you’ve been certified initially.
How long does it take to get a Florida medical marijuana card?
From your doctor’s certification to state approval, expect around 2–3 weeks. Most of that time comes from the Department of Health’s processing period.
Does Medicare cover telehealth for medical marijuana in Florida?
No. Medicare and most insurance plans don’t cover medical marijuana visits, whether in person or online. Patients pay out of pocket.
Who can do medical marijuana telemedicine in Florida?
Only qualified physicians registered with the state’s Medical Marijuana Use Registry may do so.
How often do I need to renew my Florida medical marijuana certification?
Patients must renew every 210 days (approximately 7 months). Telehealth makes it easier and quicker to get your renewal once you are in the registry.
What documents will I need for a telemedicine appointment in Florida?
You will need to have a valid Florida ID or proof of residency, and any medical files indicating your qualifying condition.
References
- Florida Senate. (2023). SB 387. https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/387
- THCMD FL. (n.d.). Telemedicine services information. https://thcmdfl.com/telemedicine/
- Know The Facts MMJ. (n.d.). Know the facts about medical marijuana. https://knowthefactsmmj.com/
- Florida Health Source. (n.d.). https://flhealthsource.gov/telehealth/
- Florida Health Source. (n.d.). Telehealth FAQs. https://flhealthsource.gov/telehealth/faqs/
- Florida Medical Cannabis. (n.d.). Florida medical cannabis information. https://www.flmedcannabis.org/
Obtain Your Medical Marijuana Card Online Easily Today!
Telemedicine makes it faster and easier to get a medical marijuana card, and you can start the process today. Just schedule your appointment and provide the necessary documentation. In only a few weeks, you could have your very own marijuana card.
List of Cities That You Can Get a New Card Online via Telemedicine
