Medical Conditions That Qualify For A Card in Florida

Introduction

Florida’s medical marijuana program, established under Amendment 2 (the Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative) in 2016, provides access to cannabis for patients with specific debilitating medical conditions. Overseen by the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) within the Florida Department of Health, the program has grown significantly, with over 882,000 registered patients as of November 2024. As of July 2025, Florida’s program allows physicians to certify patients for a defined list of qualifying conditions or comparable conditions, offering flexibility for those with debilitating symptoms. This guide details the qualifying conditions, eligibility requirements, application process, and benefits of obtaining a medical marijuana card. Start your journey with How to Get a Medical Card in Florida.

Qualifying Medical Conditions in Florida

Florida’s medical marijuana law, outlined in Florida Statute 381.986, specifies 10 named qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card, along with provisions for comparable conditions, terminal illnesses, and chronic nonmalignant pain. A qualified physician registered with the OMMU must certify that the patient’s condition meets these criteria and that the benefits of cannabis outweigh potential risks. Below is the complete list of qualifying conditions for 2025:

1. Cancer: Cannabis may alleviate chemotherapy-related nausea, pain, and appetite loss.
2. Epilepsy: Cannabinoids, particularly CBD, may reduce seizure frequency, as evidenced by FDA-approved Epidiolex. Learn more in Medical Marijuana and Epilepsy: How Does It Work?.
3. Glaucoma: May reduce intraocular pressure, though long-term efficacy is debated.
4. Positive Status for HIV: Helps with appetite stimulation, pain relief, and symptom management.
5. AIDS: Addresses pain, nausea, and weight loss associated with advanced HIV.
6. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Can reduce anxiety, flashbacks, and sleep disturbances. Read more in Marijuana and PTSD: A Winning Combination or a Recipe for Disaster?.
7. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): May reduce pain, muscle spasticity, and improve quality of life.
8. Crohn’s Disease: Cannabis’s anti-inflammatory properties may alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases.
9. Parkinson’s Disease: Can help manage tremors, stiffness, and pain.
10. Multiple Sclerosis (MS): May ease muscle spasticity and neuropathic pain.
11. Medical Conditions of the Same Kind or Class: Physicians may certify patients for conditions comparable to the above, such as severe arthritis, fibromyalgia, or migraines, if deemed debilitating and likely to benefit from cannabis.
12. Terminal Conditions: Defined as conditions with a prognosis of one year or less, diagnosed by a physician other than the one issuing the certification.
13. Chronic Nonmalignant Pain: Pain caused by or originating from a qualifying condition that persists beyond the usual course of that condition, such as chronic pain from neuropathy or fibromyalgia. See How Medical Marijuana Helps with Chronic Pain.

The flexibility for “comparable conditions” allows physicians to certify patients for conditions like anxiety, depression, or insomnia if they are debilitating and similar in severity to the listed conditions. Patients must provide medical records or a physician’s acknowledgment to support their diagnosis.

Eligibility Requirements for a Medical Marijuana Card

To qualify for a medical marijuana card in Florida, patients must meet the following criteria:

• Residency: Be a permanent or seasonal Florida resident. Seasonal residents must reside in Florida for at least 31 consecutive days per year, maintain a temporary residence, and provide proof like utility bills or a mortgage statement.
• Age: Be at least 18 years old. Minors require diagnoses from two qualified physicians and written consent from a parent or legal guardian. Minors cannot use smokable cannabis unless diagnosed with a terminal condition.
• Physician Certification: Obtain a certification from a physician registered with the OMMU who has completed a 2-hour CME course and passed an examination. The physician must confirm a qualifying condition and enter the patient into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR).
• Medical Need: Have a documented qualifying condition or a comparable condition deemed debilitating by the physician.

Florida does not offer reciprocity for out-of-state medical marijuana cards, so only residents with valid MMUR cards can purchase from state dispensaries.

Certification and Application Process

Obtaining a medical marijuana card in Florida is straightforward with the OMMU’s online system:

1. Schedule an Appointment: Book a telemedicine (for renewals) or in-person appointment with an OMMU-registered physician. Find one at Find a Doctor in Florida. There are over 2,640 qualified physicians in Florida as of 2025.
2. Provide Documentation: Submit proof of residency (e.g., Florida driver’s license, utility bill), a passport-style photo (2″x2″, taken within 90 days), and medical records documenting your qualifying condition. Minors need a birth certificate or school registration and a parent’s ID.
3. Medical Evaluation: During the consultation (typically 15-30 minutes), the physician reviews your medical history and confirms your qualifying condition. If approved, they enter a certification into the MMUR, including orders for up to three 70-day supplies (or six 35-day supplies for smokable cannabis, up to 2.5 ounces per supply).
4. Apply for an MMUR Card: Log into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry to complete the application. Submit your certification, photo, proof of residency, and a $75 application fee. Alternatively, mail a paper application to: OMMU, PO Box 31313, Tampa, FL 33631-3313.
5. Receive Your Card: Applications are processed within 7-14 business days. Upon approval, you receive a temporary digital card via email and a physical card in the mail within 2-3 weeks. You can then purchase from one of Florida’s 625 licensed dispensaries.

For renewals, repeat the process annually, with telehealth available for existing patients certified by the same physician. If your application is denied, see What to Do If Your Florida Medical Marijuana Application Is Denied.

Benefits of a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida

While recreational marijuana remains illegal in Florida (following the rejection of Amendment 3 in 2024), a medical card offers significant advantages:

• Legal Protections: Cardholders can legally possess up to 4 ounces of smokable cannabis and other forms as prescribed, avoiding penalties for non-medical possession.
• Dispensary Access: Access to 625 licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs), such as Trulieve (156 locations) and Curaleaf (66 locations), offering products like flower, edibles, tinctures, and vapes.
• Delivery Options: MMTCs can deliver to patients’ residences, enhancing access for those with mobility issues.
• Higher Potency and Limits: Medical patients can access products with up to 60 mg THC daily for edibles (4,200 mg per 70-day supply) and other forms per physician orders.
• Tax Savings: Medical cannabis may avoid certain taxes proposed for recreational sales, saving patients money.
• Caregiver Support: Caregivers (21 or older, with a $75 fee and background check for non-close relatives) can purchase or administer cannabis for patients.

For travel guidelines, see Traveling with Medical Marijuana: What’s Allowed in Florida.

Health and Safety Considerations

Using medical cannabis safely is critical:

• Physician Guidance: Consult your physician for appropriate dosages and product forms, especially for conditions like epilepsy or PTSD. Start with 5-10 mg THC for edibles and wait 90-180 minutes for effects.
• Storage: Store cannabis in child-proof containers. Contact the Florida Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or 911 for emergencies.
• Driving: Driving under the influence is illegal, with THC detection leading to DUI charges, including fines, license suspension, or jail time.
• Federal Restrictions: Cannabis is illegal under federal law (Schedule I), so avoid use on federal property or crossing state lines.
• Workplace Policies: Employers may restrict cannabis use, and federal jobs may prohibit it. Check with your employer.

Costs and Accessibility

Florida’s program is accessible and cost-effective:

• Certification Costs: Physician consultation fees range from $99-$199, with providers like Green Health Docs and My Florida Green offering evaluations starting at $99.
• Application Fees: The MMUR card costs $75, renewed annually. Caregiver cards are also $75, with background checks for non-close relatives.
• Telehealth Options: Renewals can be conducted via telehealth, but initial certifications require in-person visits.
• Dispensary Access: With 625 dispensaries statewide, patients have access to products like flower (up to 2.5 ounces per 35-day supply), edibles, and tinctures.

Common Myths About Florida’s Medical Marijuana Program

• Myth: Only the 10 named conditions qualify.
  • Fact: Physicians can certify comparable conditions, like anxiety or migraines, if deemed debilitating.
• Myth: Out-of-state cards are accepted.
  • Fact: Florida does not offer reciprocity for out-of-state cards.
• Myth: Recreational use is legal.
  • Fact: Recreational marijuana remains illegal, making a medical card essential for legal access.

For more FAQs, visit Florida FAQ.

Tips for Patients Seeking a Medical Card

1. Find a Registered Physician: Use Find a Doctor in Florida to locate OMMU-registered providers.
2. Gather Medical Records: Provide records documenting your qualifying condition to streamline certification.
3. Opt for Telehealth for Renewals: Save time with online renewals if certified by the same physician.
4. Check Dispensary Options: Research MMTCs like Trulieve or Curaleaf for products and delivery services.
5. Apply Early: Submit your application promptly to avoid delays, as processing takes 7-14 days.
6. Stay Informed: Visit the Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use website for updates.

Conclusion

Florida’s medical marijuana program offers a robust pathway for patients with qualifying conditions like cancer, epilepsy, PTSD, or chronic pain to access cannabis legally. The flexibility for comparable conditions ensures broad eligibility, while the streamlined application process and telehealth renewals make certification accessible. A medical card provides legal protections, tax savings, and access to over 625 dispensaries, making it essential for patients seeking relief. For more resources, explore Cannabis Med Cards Blogs or contact the OMMU at (800) 808-9580. Have questions? Share them in the comments or reach out to a licensed dispensary for guidance!