Medical cannabis is available to patients in Florida who are suffering from certain ailments. The following are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about medical marijuana.
Why should I choose Edwin W. Maldonado, MD as my physician?
Dr. Edwin W. Maldonado is a fellowship-trained and Board Certified Pain Management specialist by the American Board of Anesthesiology and the American Board of Pain Medicine. Dr. Maldonado uses the most advanced modalities for the treatment of acute and chronic pain conditions, with the purpose of returning his patients to a healthier and more productive lifestyle
Patients can rest assured that Dr. Maldonado and his staff are devoted to improving their quality of life. Ultimately, the doctor’s mission is to get patients on the path to enjoying life and fulfilling their potential to the utmost.
Obtaining a physician who is qualified to order medical marijuana for treatment of the ailments that are covered can be complicated. Too often, people in need of medical solutions make the mistake of going to doctors that lack the appropriate training and qualifications to provide the needed care.
Dr. Maldonado specializes in providing relief for chronic pain via numerous proven treatment strategies, and medical cannabis is among them.
Who is eligible to receive treatment with low-THC cannabis and medical marijuana?
Patients with cancer or symptoms of persistent and severe muscle spasms or seizures may be eligible to receive treatment with non-euphoric low-THC cannabis. Patients suffering from the following conditions are eligible for treatment with medical marijuana, for relief from pain and/or symptoms:
- Epilepsy
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- AIDS/HIV
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Glaucoma
What is the difference between medical cannabis and low-THC cannabis?
The psychoactive compound THC is minimally present in low-THC cannabis; as a result, patients do not typically experience the “high” that is common with medical marijuana.
Significant levels of the cannabinoid THC are contained in medical cannabis, which can result in the exhilarating sensation of being “high.”
How can I qualify for treatment with low-THC cannabis or medical cannabis?
The following are the requirements of eligibility to receive treatment with low-THC cannabis or medical cannabis, per Florida state law:
- You must have been diagnosed with a qualifying condition.
- You must be a resident of Florida.
- If you are under the age of 18, two physicians must agree that the treatment is warranted and advisable.
- You must have unsuccessfully tried other types of treatments.
- An ordering physician must come to the conclusion that the use of medical marijuana or low-THC cannabis has more benefits than risks for you.
- The ordering physician must register you with the Compassionate Use Registry.
Where can order for medical cannabis or low-THC cannabis be obtained?
There are currently seven dispensing organizations in the State of Florida. They are the only businesses in Florida authorized to dispense low-THC cannabis and medical marijuana. Those organizations are:
- CHT Medical (855-524-8633)
- The Green Solution ((800-429-1987)
- Trulieve (844-878-5438)
- Surterra Therapeutics (850-391-5455)
- Modern Health Concepts (877-303-0741()
- Knox Medical (888-441-5669)
- GrowHealthy (863-223-8882)
Can medical marijuana legally be smoked in Florida?
No, marijuana treatments for qualifying ailments cannot be smoked. In Florida, the following are forms in which medical marijuana or low-THC cannabis can be administered, though the availability of applications varies from one dispensary to another:
- Creams
- Capsules
- Sprays
- Oils
- Tinctures
- Edible forms
- Vaporized, which means it is heated until there is a release of active ingredients, but no smoke is formed.
How much medical marijuana or low-THC cannabis can be ordered for a patient at one time?
No more than a 45-day supply of medical cannabis or low-THC cannabis can be ordered at one time for a patient.
Are medical cannabis and low-THC cannabis subject to inspection and testing?
Yes. There are regulations surrounding the growth, processing, and dispensing of low-THC cannabis and medical marijuana, as well as audits and tests of samples and records.