Florida Medical Marijuana Program Overview
Florida's medical marijuana program provides legal access to medical cannabis for patients with qualifying conditions. The program is regulated by the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) under the Florida Department of Health.
Note: Florida requires in-person physician evaluations. Telehealth is not available for initial certifications in this state.
Who Qualifies for a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida?
According to the OMMU, patients must meet certain criteria to qualify for a medical marijuana card:
- Be a permanent or seasonal Florida resident
- Be diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition by a qualified physician
- Be entered into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry by their physician
Qualifying Conditions for Medical Card in Florida 2026
Florida's list of qualifying conditions includes:
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Crohn's Disease
- Parkinson's Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Chronic Nonmalignant Pain
- Terminal Condition (diagnosed by a physician other than the certifying physician)
- Conditions of the same kind or class as those listed above
The full list of qualifying conditions can be found on the OMMU's website.
About the Qualifying Medical Conditions
Below is information about the research that informed Florida's decision to include these conditions in the state program.
Cancer
Cancer is an approved qualifying condition under Florida's medical marijuana program. Florida included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among cancer patients. (Whiting et al., JAMA 2015)
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is an approved qualifying condition under Florida's medical marijuana program. Florida included this condition based on clinical trial research examining CBD in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy. (Devinsky et al., NEJM 2017)
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an approved qualifying condition under Florida's medical marijuana program. Florida included this condition based on early research examining the relationship between cannabinoids and intraocular pressure. (Hepler & Frank, JAMA 1971)
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS is an approved qualifying condition under Florida's medical marijuana program. Florida included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among HIV/AIDS patients. (Woolridge et al., J Pain Symptom Manage 2005)
PTSD
PTSD is an approved qualifying condition under Florida's medical marijuana program. Florida included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among patients with PTSD. (Roitman et al., J Clin Psychopharmacol 2014)
ALS
ALS is an approved qualifying condition under Florida's medical marijuana program. Florida included this condition based on research surveying ALS patients about symptom management. (Carter et al., Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2010)
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's Disease is an approved qualifying condition under Florida's medical marijuana program. Florida included this condition based on clinical research examining cannabis use in patients with Crohn's Disease. (Naftali et al., Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013)
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's Disease is an approved qualifying condition under Florida's medical marijuana program. Florida included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among Parkinson's patients. (Lotan et al., Clin Neuropharmacol 2014)
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis is an approved qualifying condition under Florida's medical marijuana program. Florida included this condition based on clinical research examining cannabinoid use in patients with MS-related spasticity. (Zajicek et al., J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2012)
Chronic Nonmalignant Pain
Chronic Nonmalignant Pain is an approved qualifying condition under Florida's medical marijuana program. Florida included this condition based on systematic reviews examining cannabinoid use among patients with chronic pain conditions. (Whiting et al., JAMA 2015)
Does Florida Add New Qualifying Conditions?
Yes, Florida has a process for adding new qualifying conditions. The state's Medical Marijuana Advisory Committee reviews petitions for new conditions and makes recommendations to the Department of Health. More information about this process can be found on the OMMU's website.
Does Florida Allow Physicians to Recommend for Non-Qualifying Conditions?
Yes, Florida law allows physicians to recommend medical cannabis for conditions "of the same kind or class" as the qualifying conditions. This is subject to the physician's professional judgment and the patient's specific circumstances. The physician must document the rationale in the patient's medical record.
Do You Need a Doctor's Recommendation?
Yes, a doctor's recommendation is required for medical marijuana in Florida. The recommending physician must:
- Be registered with the OMMU
- Have completed the required training
- Have a bona fide patient-physician relationship with the patient
A list of qualified physicians can be found on the Florida Department of Health's website.
Obtaining a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida
To access medical marijuana in Florida:
- Schedule an in-person evaluation with a qualified physician
- Receive a diagnosis of a qualifying condition
- Be entered into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry by your physician
- Apply for a medical marijuana card through the OMMU
- Pay the $75 state registration fee
- Receive your card (typically within 5-10 business days)
Once approved, patients can purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries throughout Florida.
Program Details
- Card Validity: 1 year
- State Fee: $75
- Possession Limit: 2.5 ounces of smokable marijuana every 35 days
- Home Cultivation: Not permitted
- Telehealth: Not available for initial evaluations (in-person required)
Medical Disclaimer
This page provides information about Florida's qualifying conditions for medical marijuana. The inclusion of a condition in Florida's program does not constitute medical advice or a guarantee of therapeutic benefit. Individual results vary. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any medical decisions.
For more information, visit the Office of Medical Marijuana Use.