Question 1

What medical conditions qualify me for a medical marijuana card?

Accepted Answer

Under Florida Amendment 2, the following conditions and ailments diagnosed by a medical marijuana doctor qualify patients for a medical marijuana card.
 
PTSD
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
Crohn’s Disease
Cancer
Epilepsy/Seizures
HIV/AIDS
Chronic Muscle Spasms
Multiple Sclerosis
Glaucoma
Parkinson’s Disease
Terminal Conditions
Chronic Nonmalignant Pain
Additionally, licensed physicians may determine whether unlisted conditions qualify you for a medical marijuana recommendation.  For a detailed list of unspecified conditions, including a wide range of illnesses and ailments, click here.

Question 2

Do you need a referral from another doctor to see a Comfort Care Physician?

Accepted Answer

No.  A referral is not necessary.

Question 3

Do I still have to pay for the consultation if I do not receive a medical marijuana card?

Accepted Answer

Yes and No.  The initial phone call interview is free.  However, seeing the physician is not.   The Comfort Care Team wants to help you as a patient.  Because the physicians also specializes in primary care, they will often make further recommendations if they feel that medical marijuana is not appropriate for you.

Question 4

What age restrictions apply to medical marijuana patients in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Children under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian present.  Additionally, patients under 18 years of age must consult two physicians, both of whom must determine that a medical marijuana recommendation is the best course of action.

Question 5

Are there privacy issues associated with medical marijuana recommendation and usage?

Accepted Answer

No.  The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA) applies to all healthcare providers, ensuring that your private health information remains secure and protected.  Comfort Care Clinic is held to the same standards as every other healthcare facility, and patient privacy laws remain strictly enforced.

Question 6

What is the process of getting approved?

Accepted Answer

First, determine your eligibility by reviewing Florida’s criteria for medical marijuana patients under Amendment 2.
 
Schedule a pre-screening appointment with a Comfort Care physician to discuss your qualifications and treatment options.
 
If medical cannabis is considered as a viable treatment option during the pre-screening, you will be invited to schedule an appointment with a Comfort Care physician.
 
If Comfort Care Clinic determines medical marijuana to be the best course of treatment, you will be registered under the Compassionate Care Database and receive your medical marijuana recommendation.
 
Purchase medical marijuana from one of Florida’s fourteen licensed dispensaries, or have it delivered to your home (sometimes for a nominal fee, depending on the policy of your dispensary).

Question 7

How will the medical marijuana be administered?

Accepted Answer

Medical marijuana can be administered through vaping, oils, capsules, edibles, or lotions.  Smoking as a means of administration now allowed by Florida state law.

Question 8

How much marijuana can I receive after my first visit?

Accepted Answer

Florida law limits licensed medical marijuana physicians to recommend three 70-day supplies at a time.  Patients who qualify for medical marijuana must be reevaluated by their recommending physician every 30 weeks to renew their certification.

Question 9

How soon can I obtain medical marijuana?

Accepted Answer

Patients can purchase medical marijuana at a Florida dispensary after officially registering with the Florida Department of Health Medical Marijuana Program’s Compassionate Care Database.

Question 10

Where can I obtain medical marijuana?

Accepted Answer

Patients may obtain medical marijuana at any of Florida’s licensed medical dispensaries.  Otherwise, marijuana may be delivered to a patient’s place of residence (delivery fees may apply depending on dispensary).

Question 11

Is medical marijuana dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Comfort Care physicians always review patients on a case-by-case basis, recommending medical marijuana with the same considerations and precautions in mind as with any other medication. It’s important to note that there have been no confirmed acute lethal overdoses of marijuana known to have occurred. (As opposed to aspirin and acetaminophen, two over-the-counter pain relievers which have produced a number of confirmed acute lethal overdoses.)

Question 12

Do any legal issues with medical marijuana usage currently exist for patients in Florida or the United States?

Accepted Answer

Under Federal Law, marijuana use is still considered illegal.  However, the federal government has never taken any sort of legal action against medical marijuana patients.

Question 13

What effects does medical cannabis have?

Accepted Answer

The effects of medical cannabis vary depending on the levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in the marijuana.  Your doctor will determine what specific levels of THC and CBD are appropriate for your properly treating condition.  Medical cannabis has been shown to relieve pain, reduce nausea, calm muscle spasms, aid relaxation, ease depression, and decrease inflammation.  For more information on THC, CBD, and medical marijuana, click here.

Frequently asked questions