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Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section aims to honestly and thoughtfully answer common questions you may have concerning the processes surrounding medical marijuana. If you have questions, concerns or would like to post new, additional questions to be answered, submit them below.

FAQ Legal Disclaimer

CARD APPLICATION PROCESS

Card Application Process

If you’ve ever asked the question, “How do I get certified for medical marijuana?” here’s the answer. To obtain medical marijuana, patients need to follow these steps. First, they should visit a qualified physician for an evaluation. If the physician approves, they will enter the patient into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry. Next, the Florida Department of Health will send the patient a medical marijuana ID card. Finally, the patient or their legal representative can visit or contact one of the licensed medical marijuana treatment centers to fill the order. You can find a list of the Florida MMTCs in our office or at http://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/office-of-medical-marijuana-use/medical-marijuana-treatment-centers/index.html.

 

How do I get certified for medical marijuana

The current processing time for a medical marijuana application is 10-14 days from the time the Medical Marijuana Use Registry receives it. They send you an approval email at that time. Your approval email can be used in the dispensaries as a temporary card until your actual card arrives in the mail. If you are submitting it by mail, please allow an additional 3-5 days for delivery of your application. Submitting an incomplete application will increase the amount of time required to process your account.

A medical marijuana registry card (also known as “MMID card”) is an ID card used by patients to purchase marijuana in medical dispensaries. It is required for the patient to legally use medical cannabis for their approved medical condition. Florida rule 64-4.011, F.A.C. requires all patients and legal representatives to have a Medical Marijuana Use Registry identification card to obtain medical marijuana, or a marijuana delivery device from a licensed dispensing organization (medical marijuana treatment center or MMTC).

For more information, see our related pages “Cannabis Card Benefits“and “How to Get Your Marijuana Card”. To learn more marijuana facts, visit our medical marijuana FAQ page. Call us at (786) 953-6838 to schedule an appointment and get your marijuana card today!

NO.     You must have and show Florida ID or Proof of Residence to begin the evaluation and application process.

NO.     The doctor’s recommendation is the outcome of successfully certifying for the registry to use marijuana legally. The card (medical marijuana ID or ‘MMID’) is an actual card sent from the Florida Department of Health to the patient identifying them as having the legal right to use and possess medical cannabis. We suggest carrying your valid card with you at all times.

NO.     Not in Florida. Patient’s must have an in person, face-to-face visit with a Florida licensed doctor. KindHealth recommendations are normally completed in minutes. While some states allow for them to be performed online, Florida is not one of them.

Once you have been approved by our doctor and entered into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry, you can then submit your application for the card. Applications may be submitted electronically online from our office or mailed to the Office of Medical Marijuana Use. All applications must include a registration fee of $75 to complete the process.

After our doctor approves and registers you, the state will send you an email linking back to their website, where you must log-in and complete your patient profile. Following their instructions, you must submit an electronic copy of government-issued photo identification (driver’s license, passport, or military ID) with your proof of address, a clear recent photo, and the last four numbers of their Social Security number. You will also be required to pay the $75 card fee to complete their requirements. More information about the process is available on the state’s patient profile website.

FAQs top

I’M QUALIFIED, NOW WHAT?

I'm Qualified, Now What?

YES.     The Department of Health expires your medical marijuana certification one year after its issue. You need to reapply to get a renewal to remain legally eligible to use cannabis. KindHealth sends you a renewal reminder ahead of the expiration date to keep you legal. To renew, you need only go to your registry card profile online. There is a card renewal option that takes you to the payment portal. The annual fee is $75.

Patients and/or legal representatives must annually submit a renewal application, along with the application fee and any required accompanying documents to the department forty-five (45) days prior to the card expiration date to maintain an active Medical Marijuana Use Registry identification card. The process starts with a call to KindHealth to schedule your re-evaluation appointment.

Fast FAQ: How do I order my refill?

YES.    The Medical Marijuana Registry now allows patients to easily change their marijuana card doctor, for whatever reason, by following the prompts on the patient website profile.

NO.     Patients with a medical marijuana card or their caregivers are NOT allowed to grow their own plants. Only registered Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers are able to grow, cultivate or process marijuana.

YES.     After you are certified and registered by one of our physicians, the state will send your acceptance email, usually within a few days. A copy of your acceptance email can then be used as a temporary card, along with your Florida ID, to purchase medical marijuana until you get your actual card. The Medical Marijuana Use Registry will send the card directly to you. You are NOT able to buy medicine at a medical marijuana treatment center unless/until you have either your temporary or real card ‘in hand.’ Getting your card may take up to approximately 30 days, and w recommend you send your application as early as possible after your appointment not to delay the process.

Requests to replace a lost or stolen card will require the cardholder to submit a Change, Replacement or Surrender Request Form, along with a copy of his or her Florida driver’s license or identification card and a $15 replacement fee.

YES.     As a patient, you may serve as a legal representative for someone else, provided they apply separately for their own patient card and your legal representation.

Once you are approved and have either your temporary or permanent MMID card, you or your legal representative will then be able to visit or contact one of the licensed medical marijuana treatment centers to fill the order. A list of the Florida MMTCs can be found in the KindHealth Marijuana Doctor’s office, at http://www.kindhealthflorida/medical-marijuana-treatment-centers-mmtc/ or http://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/office-of-medical-marijuana-use/medical-marijuana-treatment-centers/index.html.

Your cannabis card can now be used to buy marijuana at any of the state-licensed Florida dispensaries. If you have any questions about orders or recommendations from your doctor, call us at (786) 953-6838, and we will be happy to assist you. You will need to get recertification on your prescription every seven months. Call us to schedule your recertification visit within 45 days of your expiration.

YES.      Florida dispensaries are called Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs) and are open statewide. Patients must have their temporary or permanent card ‘in hand’ to be able to access and purchase from them. Click here for a list of Florida Dispensary Locations. This list of MMTCs is also provided on the state Medical Marijuana Use website or can be obtained from the KindHealth Marijuana Doctors clinic.

Patients and legal representatives should carry their Medical Marijuana Use Registry identification card (MMID) at all times. You MUST present your card to a medical marijuana treatment center to purchase your marijuana or a marijuana delivery device. Also, showing your card to law enforcement is very helpful in assisting in verifying that you are on the Medical Marijuana Use Registry, in the unfortunate circumstance this becomes necessary. A qualified patient or caregiver in possession of marijuana or a marijuana delivery device who fails or refuses to present his or her marijuana use registry identification card upon the request of a law enforcement officer is committing a 2nd-degree misdemeanor and may be sentenced up to 60 days in jail and a $500.00 fine.

Florida law allows for a prescription of only up to 70 days worth of cannabis medicine and patients must get 2 more refills for a total of 210 days to maintain their supply. When you call for a refill, our doctors will contact you to assess if your last prescription was effective and if there were any side effects, to determine the dosage and amount needed for your new refill. We recommend you call 4 weeks before your initial order expires to assure your refill is ordered in a timely manner. If you need a refill or have any questions about our doctors’ orders or recommendations, send us an email to info@kindhealthflorida.com and we will happily assist you.

 

Buying your MMJ

Buying your MMJ

Only a qualified patient or their legal representative can purchase medical marijuana from a medical marijuana treatment center.

As a qualified patient or designated caregiver, you may purchase up to a 70-day supply of marijuana products from one of the Florida licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers. The amount you receive for your 70-day prescription supply is determined by your physician.

First, patients must see a qualified physician for an evaluation. If approved, the patient is entered into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry, after which the Department of Health sends them a medical marijuana ID card. The patient or legal representative will then be able to visit or contact one of the licensed medical marijuana treatment centers to fill the order. Some of these centers have delivery services. A list of the Florida MMTCs can be found in our office or at http://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/office-of-medical-marijuana-use/medical-marijuana-treatment-centers/index.html.

Florida law only allows licensed dispensing organizations known as medical marijuana treatment centers (MMTCs) to sell or distribute medical marijuana.

 

Using your MMJ

Using your MMJ

YES.      With the signing of Florida SB 182 on March 18, 2019, overturning the ban on smoking cannabis, medical cannabis patients are now able to obtain whole cannabis flowers in prepackaged forms and pre-rolls. Patients with physician recommendations for smokable cannabis are allowed up to 2.5 oz. every 35 days from their dispensary. While it is now legal for patients to smoke flower, it is important to remember the public consumption of medical cannabis by smoking, vaping, or otherwise is still illegal.

Fast FAQ: Is smoking the only way to use marijuana?
Fast FAQ: What are the ways I can ingest my marijuana?

YES.     Only patients with a medical marijuana card are allowed to consume it. Caregivers are allowed to obtain medical marijuana for the patients they assist, but they are not able to grow or consume any medical marijuana unless they have their own personal card.

NO.     There are many ways to consume medical marijuana besides smoking. Vaporizing, creams, capsules, extracts are all options. There are many recipes calling for cannabis extracts, concentrates, or infusion techniques in cooking and baking to make homemade edibles. If you qualify, our doctors will recommend various ways to ingest depending on your conditions, history, and lifestyle.

 

Any object used, intended, or designed for use in preparing, storing, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing marijuana into the human body, and which is dispensed from a medical marijuana treatment center for medical use by a qualified patient.

Patients may legally use vaporized weed, extracts, tinctures, sprays, and marijuana oils. MMTCs are not allowed to sell edibles at this time. However, patients can infuse their food to make edibles themselves. While it is also legal for patients to smoke flower, at this time, the regulations under which flowers can be sold to patients have yet to be determined, and they are not widely available at the retail level.

YES.    The Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers offer many different strains of marijuana. In Florida, strains are tested for the relative amounts of CBD and THC to pinpoint the different properties designed to treat your specific condition. Also, the MMTCs carry different forms, including liquids that can be vaporized, oils, concentrates, topical ointments, wax, pills, and accessories. Food preparation can also be enhanced by the infusion of cannabis extracts. At the time of this writing, the “possession, use, or administration of marijuana in a form for smoking is not allowed except for flower in a sealed, tamper-proof receptacle for vaping.” Possession or personal cultivation of flowers is currently illegal in Florida.

 

Traveling with your MMJ

Traveling with your MMJ

NO.      Exporting marijuana from Florida, even to other states allowing medical marijuana, is illegal. Transporting cannabis across state lines is a felony and may result in steep punishment for those who are caught. Florida medical marijuana is legal for the sole purpose of helping qualified Floridians with serious or debilitating conditions. In short, medical marijuana is strictly prohibited from export and must only be consumed in the state of Florida.

Fast FAQ: How does Florida define marijuana? 
Fast FAQ: Can I travel in-state with medical cannabis?
Fast FAQ: Is cannabis flower legal in Florida?

YES.     While travel within the state of Florida is allowed, despite widespread belief to the contrary, customers cannot travel from Florida to other states with medical marijuana. Anytime you go outside Florida with cannabis, whether by plane, train, bicycle, or walking, you’re transporting a federally restricted substance across state lines. Although the Transportation Security Administration does not routinely focus on marijuana screening, it will likely be confiscated if found during a search with the matter being referred to law enforcement. Many airlines and airports do not allow cannabis. Travel to other countries is also a risky gray zone; for example, Japan has a zero-tolerance policy for marijuana with even small amounts possibly landing you at least five years in jail. We recommend researching your destination for marijuana use before you travel and arrange to purchase it there, if possible.

 

KindHealth Clinic FAQs

KindHealth Clinic FAQs

It is not hard to find medical marijuana doctors in Florida. Any doctor licensed in Florida who has also taken the Florida Medical Marijuana Registry certification is qualified to evaluate potential cannabis patients. If you have a personal physician already, it may be worth the time to ask them if they can/will certify you. They may not be willing to, based on any one of a number of legitimate reasons. If they are not willing to, a list of physicians authorized to perform medical marijuana evaluations and order low-THC cannabis, medical marijuana or cannabis delivery devices is available here: Florida Medical Marijuana Use Doctors.

KindHealth has qualified physicians willing to perform medical marijuana evaluations and order low-THC cannabis, medical marijuana, or cannabis delivery devices. A list of Florida authorized physicians is available here: http://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/office-of-medical-marijuana-use/_documents/completed-cme.pdf.

Fast FAQ: Who can sell medical marijuana?
Fast FAQ: As a patient can I grow my own plants?

YES.     Our office will assist you in electronically submitting your card application to the Medical
Marijuana Use Registry at the time of your visit. If you elect to mail the application to them after your visit with us, although we assist you in preparing the necessary paperwork, we take no responsibility for any delivery failure to the Registry.

Fast FAQ: Can I get my marijuana evaluation online?
Fast FAQ: What do I send to the state online?

NO.     KindHealth charges a fee for its services. Our physicians and staff establish a bona fide patient-doctor relationship, perform a competent evaluation, and do our best to get you registered, if possible. You pay us for the excellent service we render, regardless of whether or not the evaluation results in successful certification. Read more on the qualifying medical marijuana conditions in Florida.

The reason for getting an evaluation is to assess if you qualify or not. The decision to approve you for the registry rests solely with the doctor after they review the severity of your condition. You can find a list of the qualifying conditions marijuana qualifying conditions in Florida. If you have seen a physician in the past for your situation, it helps to have your medical records to speed up the same-day approval process. We have a medical release form to sign and send to your doctor’s office for records if needed.

NO.     Dispensaries or Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs) are state-affiliated ‘pharmacies’ where you can purchase your marijuana. KindHealth is a medical office performing medical marijuana evaluations for patients to be added to the marijuana use registry.

KindHealth Marijuana Doctors is a medical office with doctors specializing in medical marijuana evaluations. Our physicians assess and register patients with the Florida State Medical Marijuana Use Registry. Once you obtain a Florida cannabis card you can use medical marijuana legally in Florida.

A recommendation (AKA certification/registration/authorization) is the process of being successfully evaluated by a qualified Florida licensed physician for enrollment onto the Florida Medical Marijuana Registry. The recommendation is submitted to the State with the patient’s application. If the application is approved by the state, the patient receives a medical marijuana identification card authorizing them to purchase, use, and possess limited quantities of medical marijuana in the State of Florida.

KindHealth physicians and staff stay up-to-date with current industry knowledge in order to answer your questions regarding the registration process, cannabis treatment or any side effects you may have.

KindHealth charges a $15 appointment scheduling fee. This fee is refunded at the time of your scheduled appointment and forfeited if you fail to keep that appointment.

YES.     KindHealth is serious about taking its responsibility for keeping your protected health information (PHI) confidential. All of your patient information obtained by KindHealth Marijuana Doctors is protected health information and covered under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) as well as the Patient Privacy Act, and R.C.W. for Medical Marijuana in Florida. A copy of our privacy policy is provided at the time of your visit and available to you on request.

NO.     KindHealth is a medical office specializing in medical marijuana evaluations. We register patients with the Department of Health Medical Marijuana Use Registry so they may obtain their Florida cannabis card. We do not sell any cannabis or other related products at this time.

NO.     Minors can be evaluated for and use medical marijuana as long as the legal guardian is present and signs a waiver for the minor. They must take it under the care and supervision of a registered caregiver who’s at least 18 years old.

At your first visit, we perform a comprehensive evaluation and record review (if any). The decision to certify you for the registry rests solely with our physician. If the information you provide to us is insufficient, we inform you of exactly what further information we need from you to fully evaluate your medical condition to help us get you certified. This includes information such as past and current medications and medical records from your other physicians. We re-evaluate any new information at no extra charge to you.

YES.     KindHealth’s Medical Director holds an active, unrestricted license as a physician under Chapter 458, Florida Statutes and has completed the Florida continuing education course and examination.

NO.     Unfortunately, Medicare, Medicaid or other health insurance companies are not willing to cover anything related to marijuana since it is not approved as a medicine by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Also, bank insurance regulations prohibit cannabis-related financing. Consequently, payments for marijuana products and related services are primarily done on a cash basis.

NO.     Although medical records are not required KindHealth suggests you bring them to your visit as the added documentation often helps us evaluate your condition. The decision to approve you rests solely with our doctor, so if you have seen a physician in the past for your condition, it may help to have your records for the same-day doctor’s approval. We have a medical release form to request records from your doctor’s office, if necessary.

 

MMJ Legal Topics

 

Basic MMJ

Basic MMJ

Here’s how and where I can get medical cannabis. First, you need to see a qualified doctor who can check if you’re eligible for it. If the patient is approved and the doctor says yes, they will put your name in the Florida Marijuana Use Registry. Next, the Department of Health will send you a card in the mail. Once you have the card, you can go to any of the places that sell medical cannabis in Florida. A list of the Florida MMTCs can be found in our office or at http://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/office-of-medical-marijuana-use/medical-marijuana-treatment-centers/index.html if you need it.

Learn more about medical cannabis:
Medical Marijuana Blog

Where can I get my medical cannabis

YES.     The number of elderly seniors using marijuana for various medical conditions is growing. Medical cannabis has shown benefit in the symptoms of pain and discomfort in rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other chronic pain conditions. Seniors also find cannabis relief after treatment of anxiety, depression, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, insomnia, sleep disorders, glaucoma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and panic attacks. Alternative methods of ingestion such as edibles, pills, topical creams, and oils avoid the odor of smoking and have helped its rising popularity. Cannabis generally has fewer side effects and on the advice of the doctor, may be used as a replacement treatment for the usual harmful medications commonly prescribed for many of these conditions. For more information, read our article “Can I Serve as a Legal Representative if I’m a Patient?”.

Only a qualified patient or their legal representative can purchase medical marijuana from a medical marijuana treatment center.

“Marijuana” means all parts of any plant of the genus Cannabis, whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of the plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant or its seeds or resin, including low-THC cannabis, which are dispensed from a medical marijuana treatment center for medical use by a qualified patient.

“Low-THC cannabis” means a plant of the genus Cannabis, the dried flowers of which contain 0.8 percent or less of tetrahydrocannabinol and more than 10 percent of cannabidiol (CBD) weight for weight; the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of such plant; or any compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of such plant or its seeds or resin that is dispensed from a medical marijuana treatment center. THC is the chemical component in cannabis responsible for the psychoactive effects where CBD plays a more significant role in the physical healing properties.

Marijuana is considered a controlled substance by the Food and Drug Administration and has not been approved as safe or efficient, and they classify it as having no medical benefit, on par with drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and LSD. Of note, not a single death from a marijuana overdose has ever been reported, and there is no significant evidence that occasional use leads to long-term health problems. The effects of long-term, heavy marijuana use are still being studied. While there are risks to using every drug or medicine, marijuana compares much more favorably to the widely available drugs alcohol or tobacco that both show a much worse side effect profiles, higher addiction potentials, and negative life impact.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the natural component of cannabis responsible for the physiologic, medical benefits. There is a minimal psychoactive effect from CBD. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the component responsible for the psychoactive effects of the ‘buzz,’ ‘head rush’ or ‘high.’ There is a beneficial effect of THC in boosting the power of CBD effect on your condition. The relative amounts of CBD and THC are adjusted in medical marijuana to minimize the amount of THC and maximize the CBD, and the THC can be ordered in a dose that will not affect you psychologically. Your physician controls the strength and dosage, depending on your condition and what makes you feel you are comfortable.

Fast FAQ: Could Florida recreational marijuana be legalized?