Obtaining a medical marijuana (MMJ) card in Jacksonville, Florida is a straightforward process when you know the requirements and steps involved. Florida’s medical cannabis program is regulated by the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU), which oversees patient access, physician certification, and dispensary operations statewide.
1. Be a Florida Resident
To apply for a medical marijuana card, individuals must be either permanent or seasonal residents of Florida. Residency is typically proven through a Florida driver’s license or state ID. Seasonal residents may use additional documentation, such as utility bills or a lease agreement, to demonstrate temporary residency within the state.
2. Have a Qualifying Medical Condition
Florida law outlines specific medical conditions that qualify a patient for medical cannabis. Common qualifying conditions include chronic pain, cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), ALS, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Physicians may also recommend medical marijuana for conditions of comparable severity when supported by medical records and clinical judgment.
3. Schedule an Evaluation With a Certified Medical Marijuana Doctor
Only physicians certified by the state of Florida may recommend medical marijuana. During an evaluation, the doctor reviews medical history, discusses symptoms, and determines whether cannabis may be an appropriate treatment option. If approved, the physician enters the patient’s information and recommendation into the state’s Medical Marijuana Use Registry.
Jacksonville patients commonly seek evaluations from clinics such as:
All of these clinics specialize in medical marijuana certifications and patient education.
4. Complete State Registration
After physician approval, patients must complete their application through the Medical Marijuana Use Registry. This includes confirming personal information, uploading a passport-style photo, and paying the state application fee, which is currently $75. Once submitted, the application is reviewed by the state for approval.
5. Receive Approval and Access Dispensaries
Application processing generally takes 10 to 14 business days. Once approved, patients receive their physical medical marijuana card by mail. Approval also allows immediate access to licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers throughout Jacksonville and across Florida, where patients can purchase products recommended by their physician.
6. Maintain Certification and Renew Annually
Florida medical marijuana cards must be renewed each year through the registry. In addition, state law requires patients to see their recommending physician every 210 days for recertification. Keeping appointments up to date ensures uninterrupted access to medical cannabis and continued compliance with Florida law.
By understanding the requirements and working with a qualified physician, Jacksonville residents can confidently navigate Florida’s medical marijuana program and access cannabis legally for therapeutic use.