Medical marijuana is legal in Florida under limited circumstances. It is important for Fort Myers residents interested in medical marijuana to understand what steps they must follow to legally possess it. The illegal possession of marijuana, even if it is for medicinal purposes, is a crime.
Step 1: You must have a qualifying medical condition
There are certain qualifications that must be met for a person to be medically treated in Florida with marijuana. They must be either a permanent or seasonal resident of the state. In addition, they must have a diagnosis of a qualifying medical condition from a qualified medical professional. Some examples of qualifying medical conditions include epilepsy, cancer, glaucoma and HIV/AIDS. This list is not all-exhaustive; there are many other conditions that qualify one for medical marijuana.
Step 2: You must be a member of the Medical Marijuana Use Registry
If you have a qualifying condition as diagnosed by a qualified medical professional, the medical professional will give you a patient identification number. This number is necessary to apply for a Medical Marijuana Use Registry Identification Card.
Step 3: You must obtain a Medical Marijuana Use Registry Identification Card
Patients and caregivers can file for a Registry Identification Card either electronically or through a paper application. Once they obtain a Registry Identification Card, they can purchase medical marijuana from treatment centers approved by the state.
Failure to follow the law could lead to illegal possession
It is important that those wishing to possess medical marijuana follow the proper legal channels for doing so. If they possess marijuana illegally or if they purchase it from someone other than a state-approved treatment center, this could be considered a crime. Criminal defense attorneys in the state understand the laws regarding medical marijuana and may be a useful resource.