Frequently Asked Questions
Medical Cannabis is quickly expanding in Florida. Our clinic works hard to stay up to date with the ever changing laws and regulations so our patients stay in compliance with Florida State law. Here's the answers to some of your most frequent questions.
our clinic
How can I make an appointment?
Call us at 352-616-9892 or take our pre-qualify survey and one of our staff will get back to you as soon as possible. We have locations in Spring Hill and Land O’ Lakes.
You can also schedule online:
What do I need to have for my first appointment?
Submit patient forms online in advance of the appointment (you can find them here, but they will also be emailed to you prior to your appointment)
Current Florida Driver’s License/State ID Card or Passport Photo (Seasonal Residents Only)
Two Forms roof of residency documentation or current Florida Driver’s License/State ID card
Your initial visit will take approximately 1 hour. We will help you to complete all requirements to obtain your State-issued Medical Marijuana Registry ID card.
Can we do a virtual appointment (telehealth)?
Yes and no. If it’s your first time visiting us, you must be seen in person (this is Florida law). After your initial visit with Dr. Gebhardt, subsequent certification visits can be performed via telehealth or in person.
Is my treatment confidential?
Absolutely. Your privacy is of the utmost importance. We comply with all HIPAA privacy standards. We will not release your medical records without your written consent.
What if I need to reschedule?
It's not a problem. Call (352-616-9892) or email us and we will be happy to reschedule your appointment. Please provide at least 48-hour advance notice to avoid a strict $50 cancellation fee.
What are the costs?
Our initial evaluation and certification visit is $250. Follow-up appointments, including re-certification visits are $150. Transfer evaluations are $200. We offer a $50 discount on initial certification visits for Veterans/Veteran Spouses, Educators, Healthcare Providers, and First Responders.
The Office of Medical Marijuana Use requires patients to submit a completed application and obtain a Medical Marijuana Registry ID card before purchasing cannabis medications. The application fee is $75 (+$2.75 online convenience fee) and must be renewed yearly. MMTC discounts are available to help offset the cost of the yearly card.
Medication costs vary by dispensary and delivery method. Medication is not taxed.
Do you accept insurance?
No. While legal on a state level, medicinal cannabis remains illegal on a federal level. This prevents insurance companies from providing reimbursement for cannabis-related visits and treatment.
Do you provide refunds?
If the doctor determines that you are ineligible for certification (at your initial evaluation appointment) you will not be charged for the appointment. We do our best to pre-screen all patients so this does not happen. We are unable to offer refunds for any other circumstances.
How often do I have to see the doctor?
We will see you for a follow-up recertification visit every 6 months. Both a valid card and certification are required for legal status.
do you recommend patients for smokable medical cannabis?
Yes. We believe in the incredible therapeutic value of whole plant medicine. We are comfortable recommending smokable cannabis for new, transfer, and already established patients.
do you FILE requests for exemptions (RFE) FOR patients?
Yes. At all appointments, we review and discuss patient needs, current use, and purchasing history within the MMUR. When medically necessary, we will file the required exemption paperwork and request a dosage limit increase. We will not file requests for patients who are not coming close to or exceeding limits.
FLORIDA MEDICAL MARIJUANA PROGRAM
Medical marijuana is legal in Florida?
Yes! Florida first legalized medical cannabis in 2014 when the Legislature passed the Compassionate Use Act allowing patients suffering from cancer and epilepsy to access low-THC cannabis. This program was expanded in 2016 under the Right to Try Act which permitted full-strength cannabis to patients with a terminal illness.
On November 8, 2016 Florida voters passed Amendment 2 with a 71.3% majority, allowing for a larger medical cannabis program, effective January 2017. On June 23, 2017 Governor Rick Scott signed Senate Bill 8A into law, removing the dreaded "90 day wait" and establishing operational guidelines to meet the requirements of Amendment 2. The program is still in a fluid state, with rules and regulations are expected to change over time. The program has grown exponentially - now including flower for smokable use and edibles.
how do I get my medical marijuana ID Card?
Florida requires that patients obtain a certification from a qualifying physician during a face-to-face medical evaluation. Qualifying physicians have completed training specific to medicinal marijuana. After obtaining a certification (and being entered into the registry), a patient must submit an application to the Office of Medical Marijuana Use to obtain an ID card. Once patients receive their temporary (via email) or permanent ID card and certifications/order from their physician, they may purchase medication at a licensed dispensary. Cards are typically approved instantly for patients with a Florida Driver’s License or State ID. Seasonal residents can take 5-10 business days to process.
What conditions qualify?
Cancer
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
HIV+
AIDS
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Crohn's disease
Parkinson's disease
Multiple sclerosis
Medical conditions of the same kind or class as or comparable to those listed
Terminal illness
Chronic nonmalignant pain
What are medical conditions of the same kind or class?
State law allows doctors the ability to certify patients for medical cannabis who are suffering from conditions that have similar symptoms, processes, or debilitating nature as those listed. This may include a wide array of chronic illnesses and symptoms. If you have a medical condition that you believe may benefit from medical cannabis, contact us to discuss it further.
HOW MUCH MEDICAL CANNABIS CAN I PURCHASE?
Our doctor will work with you to determine the best dosing and delivery methods for your needs. Patients will receive a recommendation tailored to their needs which specifies their legal purchasing limits. Physicians and patients are limited by State dosage limits. All recommendations above these limits require exception approval through the Office of Medical Marijuana Use. We work with our patients to obtain the amounts of medicine necessary to meet their medical needs effectively. We understand that tolerance and patient needs vary.
The legal purchasing limit for smokable cannabis is 2.5 ounces in any 35-day period with a possession limit of 4 ounces at any time.
Current State Dosage Limits & FMCC Order Options
Do I have to be a Florida resident?
Sort of. Florida law requires that patients are Florida residents or seasonal residents. To qualify as a seasonal resident, you must live in Florida at least 31 consecutive days per year.
What do I need to prove residency?
Full-time residents must have a Florida Driver’s License or State ID Card. The DMV is linked to the Medical Marijuana Use Registry, allowing you to automatically verify your photo and proof of residency within the application. If you submit a paper application, you must provide a copy of your Florida Driver’s License or State ID Card with the application.
Seasonal residents must submit two of the following documents as proof of residency:
A deed, mortgage statement, mortgage payment booklet, or residential rental/lease agreement.
One proof of address from the patient's parent, step-parent, legal guardian, or another person with whom the patient resides. The patient must also submit a statement from the person with whom the patient resides attesting that the patient does in fact, live with him/her.
A utility hookup, work order, or utility bill not more than 2 months old.
Mail from a bank or financial institution.
Mail from a federal, state, county, or municipal government agency, not more than 2 months old.
Other documentation that provides proof of residential address may be accepted by department rule.
Can someone else pick up my medication?
Yes, but they must be your legal representative/caregiver. If you require assistance, you may assign a Caregiver who can pick up, carry, and administer your medication for you.
A caregiver must meet certain conditions:
At least 21 years of age
Complete a certification course
Submit a completed application ($77.75 yearly card fee)
Cannot be a qualified physician, employed in, or have financial interest in a medical marijuana treatment center (dispensary) or lab
Provide proof of residency
Non-close relatives must pass a Level II Background check and submit fingerprints before submitting a caregiver application.
Where do I purchase my medication?
Medical marijuana patients must purchase their medication from a licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Center, also called a dispensary. You can purchase directly at the dispensary or through a delivery service. We recommend that patients go to the dispensary for their initial purchase if possible. More information on MMTC’s can be found here.
I have a marijuana ID card from another state. can I use it?
No. Florida does not have reciprocity between other states' programs. If you are a permanent or seasonal Florida resident, you will need to qualify under the Florida program.
Can I grow my own medical cannabis?
No. Florida does not allow patients to grow their own medicine.
Can I purchase medicine when traveling to other legal states?
Possibly. Some states allow for reciprocity, but you'll need to check the regulations of the state you are traveling to for specifics.
does Florida law permit smoking?
YES! As of March 2019, Florida now allows the smoking of medical cannabis when recommended by a qualifying physician.
Do I have to smoke?
No. There are a variety of other ways to consume medical cannabis, including vaporization, sublingual (under the tongue), oral, topical, and suppository delivery methods.
Are edibles available?
Yes! Edibles finally hit the shelves in 2020.
How long does it take for my application/card to be approved?
Effective February 2022, all initial and renewal card applications for Florida State Residents using a linked DMV-issued Driver’s License will be approved instantly. If you have a State ID, are a seasonal resident or retired law enforcement, parole officer, or otherwise have your address redacted from the DMV your application may take 5-10 business days to process.