In 2016, Florida voters approved the legalization of full-strength medical marijuana. Additionally, the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) was established to oversee medical marijuana laws everywhere in Florida — including Port Charlotte medical marijuana laws. The OMMU is responsible for regulating Florida’s statewide medical marijuana program as well as managing the Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry.

Everything You Need to Know About Medical Marijuana Laws in Florida

According to the OMMU, the following conditions are eligible for medical marijuana treatment:

• Cancer
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Crohn’s Disease
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Seasonal residents who reside in Florida for at least 31 consecutive days each year are also eligible for medical marijuana cards, as are caretakers of registered Florida medical marijuana patients who need assistance purchasing their medications.

CBD vs. THC: Which Is Legal in Florida?

CBD is the non-psychoactive component of marijuana, while THC is the psychoactive component. While many types of marijuana contain both THC and CBD, most types are either low in THC and high in CBD or high in THC and low in CBD. Both components have specific medical applications, and both are legal for medical use in Florida. You should consult with your physician to determine which type of marijuana is appropriate for your treatment plan. The Science Behind CBD.

Public Possession and Consumption

Medical marijuana must be kept in sealed, tamper-proofed containers purchased from medical marijuana dispensaries. Only CBD medication may be consumed in public; public possession of high-THC medication is legal, but public consumption is not. Every registered Florida medical marijuana patient must carry a valid medical marijuana card at all times and be able to present it upon request by a law enforcement officer.

Transporting Medical Marijuana

Taking medical marijuana purchased legally in Florida into another state is illegal, even if that state has also legalized marijuana (medically or recreationally). Marijuana regulations differ significantly between each state, including legal states, so you should never transport any amount of any type of marijuana across state lines.

Maintaining Eligibility

Registered Florida medical marijuana patients must be re-examined by a qualified physician at least once every 210 days. Some patients may benefit from more frequent re-evaluations, so you should work with your doctor to determine the best ongoing qualification plan for your needs. Additionally, all Florida medical marijuana patients are required to renew their medical marijuana cards on an annual basis.

Other Laws and Regulations

Here are a few more rules that medical marijuana patients in Port Charlotte, Florida need to know:

• It is illegal to buy, sell, possess, or consume recreational marijuana anywhere in Florida — even if you have a medical marijuana card.
• It is illegal to operate any type of vehicle while using high-THC medication. You may still operate a vehicle while using CBD medication.
• You may not share your medical marijuana with anyone — including other registered medical marijuana patients.

Have more questions about Florida medical marijuana laws or how to get your medical marijuana card? Iona Cannabis Clinic has answers!