In Florida, like many other U.S. states, cannabis is legal for medicinal use. But before you can purchase it, you’ll need to have a verifiable prescription in the form of a medical marijuana card. Cannabis can feasibly be prescribed for a wide range of both physical and mental health conditions, but how can you tell if you qualify for it? 

This article will teach you the basics. 

How to Acquire Medicinal Marijuana

There’s a basic process you’ll need to follow if you want to get a medical marijuana card in Florida

1. Find a doctor. First, you’ll need to find a doctor who can prescribe you medical marijuana. Any qualified physician who is licensed to prescribe THC will be able to do this. There are several hundred options in the state of Florida to choose from. Physicians in Florida are required to take an initial course and pass an exam every 2 years to retain their THC prescription license. 
2. Attend a consultation. Next, you’ll need to make an appointment. This will be like any other doctor’s office visit. You and your physician will talk about your medical history, your current condition, and your treatment options. If you’re interested in using THC to treat your condition, you can express this now. If your physician agrees that it may help you, they’ll talk to you about the proper dosage and use of marijuana. Assuming things go well, the doctor will write you a recommendation, and you can get a patient ID number so you can apply for your card. 
3. Apply for a medical marijuana card. Once you have a physician’s note and a patient ID number, you can complete an online application for your medical marijuana card. You’ll need to pay a processing fee, which is currently $75, and wait about 5-10 business days for your application to finish processing. 
4. Find a dispensary. Once you have a medical marijuana card, you can legally buy marijuana from any qualified dispensary in the state. You can check out Harvest’s Florida dispensary to learn more about how dispensaries work. Depending on your needs, your tolerance, and your preferences, you may prefer certain types of cannabis over others. 

What Is Marijuana Prescribed For? 

There are many conditions that could potentially qualify you for a medical marijuana prescription. However, these are some of the most common: 

Glaucoma and eye conditions. There’s limited evidence to suggest that marijuana can relieve eye pressure, which is an important symptom of glaucoma and other eye conditions. Marijuana can also relieve pain, which is important for sufferers of some eye disorders. 
Acute and chronic pain. Marijuana’s pain-relieving benefits are some of its most pronounced and noticeable medicinal effects. If you suffer from acute pain, like pain associated with a specific injury, or chronic pain, which exists nearly all the time, marijuana may be able to help you. This is especially important for chronic pain sufferers, who may not have any other form of available treatment
Depression and anxiety. In most users, marijuana produces feelings of relaxation and euphoria. It helps to calm your mind and body, and can manage many mental health symptoms. If you suffer from anxiety and/or panic attacks, or if you suffer from recurring depression, marijuana may be useful in helping you overcome the worst effects. 
PTSD. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex and poorly understood condition, and it manifests differently in different people. You may experience flashbacks, anxiety, chronic stress, and sleeping problems—and marijuana may be able to help manage all these symptoms. 
Eating disorders and nausea. Marijuana produces a relaxing effect that soothes anxiety, and also stimulates your appetite. This makes it ideal for treating certain types of eating disorders, and chronic nausea. 
Cancer and cancer treatments. Marijuana won’t cure cancer, but it can help you manage some of the symptoms (and side effects of cancer treatments). Pain, fatigue, stress, and nausea can all be improved by using an appropriate dose of the drug. 

Different physicians will have different recommendations for medicinal marijuana practices. Some of them, upon your initial consultation, will recommend a different course of treatment than marijuana. Others will be more than willing to help you get a medical marijuana card as long as you have a marginally good reason to have one. If you’re suffering from any physical or mental symptoms, be open to whatever form of treatment is most appropriate, as determined by your doctor.