Visiting a medical marijuana doctor for the first time can be an encouraging step towards finding relief from your chronic condition. If you’re considering scheduling an appointment, it’s important to understand what to expect so you can arrive prepared.
In Florida, medical marijuana is legal only for certain qualifying patients. The specific conditions that are eligible for medical marijuana treatment in Florida include:
If you have been diagnosed with any of these conditions, you may be eligible for a medical marijuana recommendation from a doctor.
Before your appointment, you’ll need to gather some documentation so your doctor has the information they need.
First, make sure to bring both identification and proof of your Florida residency. A driver’s license or other state-issued ID card will work for both. If you plan to use a different type of identification, a piece of mail marked with your Florida address, such as a recent utility bill, will work to prove your Florida residency status.
You’ll also need to provide medical documentation to verify your diagnosis with a qualifying condition for medical marijuana. Your medical marijuana doctor will likely want to review your complete medical history as well, including any current prescriptions.
You should also communicate with your medical marijuana doctor about any additional forms they may require you to fill out before your appointment.
During your visit, your medical marijuana doctor will review your medical history and proof of diagnosis. They may ask you some questions about your condition and your health history to help them better understand your needs.
The doctor may also perform a brief examination to collect basic health information such as height, weight, blood pressure, vital signs, etc. This examination can help the doctor get a better picture of your overall health and help them identify the most suitable marijuana treatment plan for you.
If the doctor determines that you would benefit from medical marijuana treatment, they will write you a medical marijuana recommendation. It’s important to understand that this recommendation is not a medical prescription but rather a professional endorsement for your use of medical marijuana.
Finally, the doctor will explain what you can expect from medical marijuana treatment and answer any questions you may have about medical marijuana. They may recommend specific methods of intake, such as smoking, vaping, or using edibles, based on what’s most appropriate for your specific situation.
Once the doctor has given you their recommendation, they will register you with the Florida Department of Health Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU). You will need to log in to the OMMU registry and submit an application to obtain your medical marijuana card. Your doctor may be able to assist you in completing your application or provide additional resources.