7 Steps To Legally Obtain Medical Cannabis From Marijuana Doctors

Updated on May 23, 2021

Marijuana is not just another drug that you can barge into a medical store and buy. Not just you but also the doctor who gave you the prescription needs several qualifications.

You might even end up in jail if you do not stick to the legal MMJ standards. Florida medical marijuana doctors have years of expertise with patients who come from various health backgrounds.

If you are planning to make yourself eligible to use legal cannabis, following these 7 steps would help you walk on the right path.

1. Have A Valid Health Condition

MMJ doctors will never opt for cannabis treatment right away. You need to have a valid health condition that seems curable with the use of cannabis. 

Apart from this, you also have to prove that other medications are not helping you to recover. Only after this, you will be eligible for the process.

You also have to check whether you can continue using your regular drugs while you are on the treatment.

Either way, you are completely against the law if found using cannabis without a doctor’s approval.

Doctors are starting to re-evaluate the health benefits of cannabis after considering it illegal for decades. But that doesn’t mean you can start acting above the law by misusing it. 

2. Meet With A Marijuana Doctor Near You 

Several dedicated websites allow you to find medical marijuana doctors near you.

A typical MMJ appointment might cost you anywhere between $150 and $250. There will be a thorough inquiry of your medical history to know in detail about your condition. 

Marijuana doctors might suggest cannabis for a wide range of health conditions including cancer, epilepsy, and glaucoma. 

The strain and dosage are completely up to your doctor. You can never force your doctor into giving you a tailor-made bill unless you have plans of ending up in jail. 

3. Get Your Condition Approved 

Florida’s medical marijuana has been in use to treat various health conditions. Neurological disorders, mental illness, and pain management are some of the most common causes. 

This includes arthritis, migraine, epilepsy, etc., The number of patients who opt for this treatment to cure their sleep disorders also had a significant increase. 

Once the doctor approves your condition, you have to send an application to Florida’s health department.

They will send you an official MMJ card in a few weeks without which you will never be able to buy legal weed.

You must also know that you cannot use your MMJ prescriptions for more than 30 weeks. You will need another appointment to get it signed off again.

4. Double-check Your Doctor’s Qualification

Most marijuana doctors will never recommend weed right away and there is a strong reason for it.

Not just you but also your doctor needs to have a valid license that’s state-approved in order to handle and suggest cannabis. 

Doctors with a medical degree with an additional one-year of PG residency are eligible to hold a medical license. 

They can start suggesting cannabis after a two-hour state-approved course. It is always wise to politely ask for your doctor’s proviso prior to your treatment.

5. Ask Where To Buy The Medication

Even after having your own MMJ card, you will have to buy legal weed only at the dispensaries approved by the state.

There are over 200 approved dispensaries all around the state. 14 licensed companies run and maintain them. Unless you buy from one of these stores, you have every chance of getting arrested. 

If you get pulled over by a cop, you must hand-over your THC oil. Only after showing proof that you bought it from an approved store and showing your license you will be able to get it back. 

You are eligible to buy up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis over a period of 35 days. You will not be receiving your weed in a glass jar. Instead, they get issued in containers that you cannot see into.

6. Know About The MMJ Laws & Rules

The law says that you cannot get arrested if you possess a valid recognition card. Over-using the weed more than the prescribed amount might also lead you into trouble. 

Having an MMJ card does not mean you can drive around the city with the influence of the drug unless you want to get arrested for DUI. 

Possessing a license does not mean you can go around harming the life and well-being of your fellow citizens. There are also strict rules about using cannabis in the workplace. 

If your employer wants a drug-free workplace, no law will protect you if found using cannabis. Before you opt for the treatment, make sure you get yourself thorough with the laws and regulations.

7. Never Misuse It 

Apart from the legal burden, misusing it might also put you in a worse place than you already are from a health perspective.

Your mode of consumption also plays a major role in deciding its intensity. Bloodshot eyes, depression, and low blood pressure are some of the side-effects of overuse.

Cannabis also has a huge impact on your motor skills. This is why you should never drive or operate heavy machinery while under its influence.

On your body, the effects of medical marijuana are no different from alcohol. Overusing or misusing the drug will cause more harm than good.

Conclusion

By following all these 7 steps in a sequence, you should be able to stay out of trouble. Do not hold back information during your doctor’s visit. Smoking cannabis has the same effect that tobacco has on your lungs.

If you have an underlying health condition, this could make the situation much worse. Being upfront with your doctor will help him come up with a hand-picked strategy. 

The strength of the drug varies depending on where you buy it, so it is always wise to let your doctor make that decision for you. If you see your health degrading with the use, immediately stop consuming and get back to your doctor as soon as possible.

+ posts

Throughout the year, our writers feature fresh, in-depth, and relevant information for our audience of 40,000+ healthcare leaders and professionals. As a healthcare business publication, we cover and cherish our relationship with the entire health care industry including administrators, nurses, physicians, physical therapists, pharmacists, and more. We cover a broad spectrum from hospitals to medical offices to outpatient services to eye surgery centers to university settings. We focus on rehabilitation, nursing homes, home care, hospice as well as men’s health, women’s heath, and pediatrics.