Is Medical Marijuana Right for Me?

If you’re part of the Baby Boom generation born between 1946 and 1964, you might be wondering how to get relief from age-related aches and pains, insomnia or anxiety without turning to prescription pharmaceuticals.

It doesn’t matter if you experimented with grass in college and gave it up for decades or if you’ve been an avid cannabis user your whole life. Medical marijuana may offer relief, even if you’re a senior citizen who never tried pot at all. If you are new to medical marijuana, start slow and find out what works for you.

Any elder who’s interested in non-narcotic, non-addicting, legal pain and insomnia relief would do themselves a favor by consulting with a licensed Florida pot doctor without delay.

Do I have to smoke my medical marijuana?

You no longer have to smoke your medical marijuana. As of August 27, 2020, Florida dispensaries are authorized to sell medical marijuana in edible forms, including baked goods, chocolate candies, lozenges, and easy-to-chew soft weed gummies to adults with a legal Florida medical card. Topically applied creams and oils infused with therapeutic cannabis concentrates are also available and may be more suitable for you if you are experiencing localized pain. As with smoked medical marijuana, all cannabis edibles and topicals must be properly packaged and clearly labeled.

Maybe someday, Florida will join California, Colorado, Oregon and numerous other states which have legalized marijuana for recreational use by adults. For now, seniors with certain conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from a Florida weed doctor and use it to buy pot gummies, edibles, topicals and dried cannabis flowers without fear of legal consequences.

A brief history of medical marijuana in Florida

In the 1930s, a federal employee named Harry J. Anslinger stirred up so much hysteria about marijuana, all forms of the herb were outlawed in the United States. In the following decades, countless Floridians were arrested, fined, and even incarcerated for possessing, selling or just using marijuana.

That all started to change with passage of the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014 which allowed Florida physicians to issue a “written order” for low-THC cannabis to certain registered patients. A year later, some cities in the Sunshine State decriminalized the possession of small amounts of grass.

Medical cannabis advocates didn’t give up, however, and in 2016, Amendment 2, which established a state medical marijuana program, passed with an impressive 71 percent of the popular vote, explains the Marijuana Policy Project. Today, any adult with a diagnosed qualifying condition can apply for a medical marijuana card in Florida. With that card and proper ID, adults may enter legal dispensaries and purchase marijuana in regulated amounts.

What are some Florida medical marijuana qualifying conditions?

There are a number of health conditions that may qualify you for a medical marijuana card in Florida and other states where medicinal cannabis is allowed by law. Chronic pain is the most common reason Sunshine State seniors ask where to find a Florida pot doctor, but it’s not the only one. Here are some other qualifying conditions along with a sampling of strains that may offer relief:

Anxiety

Everyone feels anxious now and then. Overwhelming feelings of tension, nervousness and intense worry that don’t seem to end are something else altogether. According to Mayo Clinic, unchecked anxiety may lead to depression, sleep disturbances and an overall lessened quality of life.

If you’d like to try cannabis to manage your anxiety, get your medical marijuana card and go for a strain that’s relatively high in CBD and low in THC. Strains cultivated to lessen anxiety without producing the paranoia sometimes associated with abundant THC content include Charlotte’s Web, Remedy, Ringo’s Gift, ACDC and Sour Tsunami. Each may relieve anxiety without making you feel stoned, says Leafly.

Arthritis

With more than 100 different types, arthritis is among the commonest conditions experienced by older Americans. In its mildest form, arthritis causes painful joints. Harsher forms, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may lead to more serious complications. If you are an arthritic senior interested in trying medical cannabis, our pot doctor may be able to give you a medical recommendation for a Florida weed card.

Weed gummies, topical creams, tinctures, edibles and dried flowers that are often recommended for arthritis pain relief include Amnesia Haze, Strawberry Cheesecake, Mota Green Balm and Charlotte’s Web.

Chemotherapy side effects

For many cancer patients, chemotherapy offers an excellent chance of survival. Unfortunately, chemo treatments are known to cause troubling side effects such as nausea and loss of appetite.

Medical marijuana strains recommended by chemo patients to reduce or eliminate nausea while boosting appetite include Harlequin, Blueberry Kush, AK-48 and Mister Nice.

Crohn’s Disease

Along with ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s comprises a group of uncomfortable medical conditions known collectively as IBD or inflammatory bowel disease. Telltale symptoms include abdominal cramps, constipation and/ or diarrhea, loss of appetite, night sweats and fatigue.

Some Crohn’s symptoms may be managed by diet, but many older Americans find additional relief by use of medical marijuana. Strains suggested by experts at Leafly include Hog’s Breath, Medicine Man, Hash Plant, Lemon Jack and Willie Nelson.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s

As a population ages, more cases of dementia can be seen. Characterized by memory loss, impaired reasoning and cognitive impairment, dementia can be at least as troubling to loved ones as it is to the person who has it. Can cannabis help? Maybe.

According to the National Institutes of Health, medical marijuana may offer hope in treating agitation, irritability, aberrant vocalization, odd nocturnal behaviors and other symptoms associated with dementia.

In 2014, researchers associated with the University of South Florida at Tampa published results of a preliminary study indicating that medical marijuana shows significant promise as a therapy to treat Alzheimer’s disease due to the way THC acts on protein clumps in the brain.

In February 2020, Discover magazine revealed the exciting news that cannabis –especially that containing high levels of THC– may effectively slow or even reverse age-related brain degeneration. Look for weed gummies and edibles made with THC-dominant strains such as Kosher Kush, Ghost OG, Ghost Train Haze or Original Glue.

Epilepsy

Anyone can develop epilepsy at any age, says Mayo Clinic. A disorder of the central nervous system, epilepsy in most forms can be managed with medication. One of those medications is marijuana. In fact, it was thanks to a little girl with epilepsy that compounds found in marijuana -especially CBD- finally began to be taken seriously as medicine in America.

The strain that helped the epileptic girl is now named Charlotte’s Web. Rich in CBD, it delivers virtually no mind-altering THC. If you suffer with epilepsy, talk to our pot doctor to see if you qualify for a weed card in Florida.

Fibromyalgia

Affecting more women than men, fibromyalgia delivers muscle and bone pain throughout the body. There is no cure at this time, and common treatments such as gabapentin can cause ‘brain fog’ which many find to be as troubling as the disease itself. For this reason, many local seniors seek relief with the help of a Florida medical marijuana doctor.

Because of the way fibromyalgia can affect both body and mind, you may wish to try a balanced, or 1:1 THC-CBD strain such as Dancehall, Sweet and Sour Widow, Pennywise or Cannatonic.

Glaucoma

Typically triggered by high inner-eye pressure, glaucoma is one of the major causes of blindness in persons older than 60. Regular eye exams can help catch the vision disorder in its earliest stages. Research dating back to the 1970s indicates that marijuana can definitely lower intraocular pressure, but this positive result only lasts a few hours.

If you don’t have to drive, you can enjoy weed gummies throughout the day. Ask our weed doctor about getting a pot card so you can add legal medical cannabis to your glaucoma eye care regimen.

Insomnia

If you find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, or if you walk around feeling tired all day, you may have insomnia. As Mayo Clinic explains, bouts of insomnia tend to increase with age but that’s no reason you have to put up with sleepless nights when medical marijuana may help.

Many people tout weed gummies made with THC-dominant cannabis as an effective aid for insomnia. Recommended strains include Tahoe OG Kush, Granddaddy Purple, God’s Gift, Northern Lights and 9-Pound Hammer.

Meniere’s disease

Even Mayo Clinic can’t explain the origins of Meniere’s disease, but anyone who has it understands very well the vertigo, nausea and anxiety caused by the troubling inner ear condition.

CBD-dominant medical marijuana has been shown to relieve nausea and anxiety, so it’s definitely worth a try. High-CBD strains include Royal Highness, Lambs in Space, Blue Dream and Critical Cure.

Migraine headaches

The light sensitivity, nausea and general overall misery of a migraine can last for hours or even days. Scant research has been done so far, but WebMD revealed that around 40 percent of participants in a study conducted by the University of Colorado reported that daily marijuana consumption decreased their monthly migraine episodes by half.

If you feel a migraine coming on, a pot gummy might help stave it off. Try a strain that delivers both THC and CBD to reduce pain and nausea while relaxing you. Balanced strains include CBD Kush, Green Crack CBD, Critical Cure and Palm Tree CBD.

MS and spasticity

Aching, spastic muscle cramps affect millions of people with multiple sclerosis. Many more millions with spinal cord injuries suffer the same sort of painful symptoms. Evidence supported by the NIH says that many of these people find relief via medical marijuana.

To treat spastic, crampy muscles look for strains such as Alien Bubba, Grapefruit Kush or Amnesia Haze. If you are an experienced user, opt for a puff or a bite of super potent AK-47 This ultra-relaxing hybrid delivers up to 25 percent THC along with a healthy dose of CBD to help you stretch comfortably and relax.

Neuropathy

Nerve-generated pain is one of the most troubling medical conditions there is, and so far, there’s no easy fix. Diabetic neuropathy tends to affect the feet and hands. Postherpetic neuralgia may appear after a bout with shingles. Either is extremely painful and can last for years, yet most doctors can offer only partial relief via prescription drugs.

If you’d prefer a more natural route toward nerve pain relief, go for rub-in salves and creams with plenty of CBD. For deeper relaxation and restful sleep, enjoy a weed gummy at bedtime.

How can I qualify for a medical marijuana card in Florida?

The first thing to do is fill out one simple form right here on this website. Computers make everything faster these days, so it won’t take long for us to get back with you. In fact, the process typically takes about a minute. If you meet a few easy requirements such as Florida residency, we’ll arrange for you to meet with our Florida weed doctor who can help you get your pot card.

Appointments with our friendly pot doc are available in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Wellington/Lake Worth, Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Palm Bay and Jupiter, Florida.

Here in the Sunshine State, recreational marijuana is not legal yet, so you’ll need to obtain a weed card in order to gain access to cannabis dispensaries. There, you’ll meet knowledgeable “budtenders” who can help you find the right herb for what ails you. Most folks who work at dispensaries love their jobs and will be more than happy to make good cannabis recommendations for medical use. Book Now, Get Your Card Fast

For additional info about medical marijuana in Florida, give us a call at (561) 631-7994. We are MMJ Health, and we’re here to help seniors like you get a weed card simply, safely and legally.

Where can I find a Florida medical marijuana doctor near me?

If you have a diagnosed medical condition that matches the criteria outlined by Amendment 2, you may arrange for an appointment at MMJ Health or with another licensed cannabis doctor. For your convenience, MMJ Health provides cannabis recommendations for year-round and seasonal residents of southern Florida at several clinics:

Boca Raton
20283 Florida SR 7

Boynton Beach
1375 Gateway Blvd

Jupiter
6779 W Indiantown Rd #25

Lake Worth / Wellington
8461 Lake Worth Road #413

Palm Bay
1501 Robert J Conlan Blvd

Palm Beach Gardens
600 Sandtree Drive #108

Port St. Lucie
8432 S Federal Hwy

Stuart
759 SW Federal Hwy #316

West Palm Beach
2700 Okeechobee Blvd

Jacksonville – Southpoint
4720 Salisbury Rd

Orlando – Winter Park
941 W Morse Blvd suite 100

Who is the chief medical marijuana doctor at MMJ Health?

Anne Lynn Morgan, MD is a licensed physician who is certified in MMJ medicine by the Society of Cannabis Clinicians as well as the American Academy of Cannabis Medicine where she serves on the board of directors. A Diplomate of the American Academy of Family Physicians, Dr. Morgan has been in practice for more than 30 years, Doctor Morgan is well versed in the human endocannabinoid system, and her expertise in such puts her in high demand as a guest speaker.

What can I expect at my marijuana doctor appointment

Should you opt to request your pot card from MMJ Health, Dr. Morgan and our team will take care of every aspect of your application. Your appointment with our friendly and knowledgeable pot doc includes:

  • Medical marijuana qualification and certification
  • Medical records request
  • Physical examination and review of medical history
  • Assistance with forms
  • Medical marijuana patient ID number and registration
  • Passport style photo for MMJ card
  • Customized medical marijuana treatment plan

Which states accept a Florida MMJ card?

If you plan to travel to another state, please be aware that carrying marijuana, even if it’s medically legal in Florida, is a federal offense.

Michigan, New Hampshire and Rhode Island won’t bust you for holding or using medical marijuana in an authorized space, if you hold a valid Florida MMJ card. The latter two states will grant you access to medical marijuana dispensaries with your Florida pot card, as well.

Should you visit a state where recreational weed is allowed by law, you can buy cannabis at any dispensary. Currently, recreational marijuana is legal in:

  • Alaska
  • Colorado
  • Illinois
  • Maine
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Nevada
  • Oregon
  • Vermont
  • Washington
  • Washington, D.C.

Can I get a medical marijuana card if I’m on probation?

The answer to this common question is “probably.” As long as you hold a valid medical marijuana card and comply with all other conditions of parole, you most likely won’t be drug tested for marijuana but you may still be tested for other drugs. For additional info, please be sure to speak with your parole officer before scheduling an appointment with a Florida marijuana doctor.

How do I renew my Florida medical marijuana card?

When your card is 45 days away from expiration, log into your OMMU account to begin the renewal process. Upload any required documents, make payment by credit card or e-check and electronically sign the renewal application. If you have any questions about how to renew your pot card, please call MMJ Health at (561) 631-7994.

Where can I find a Florida medical marijuana doctor near me?

If you have a diagnosed medical condition that matches the criteria outlined by Amendment 2, you may arrange for an appointment at MMJ Health or with another licensed cannabis doctor. For your convenience, MMJ Health provides cannabis recommendations for year-round and seasonal residents of southern Florida at several clinics:

Boca Raton
20283 Florida SR 7

Boynton Beach
1375 Gateway Blvd

Jupiter
6779 W Indiantown Rd #25

Lake Worth / Wellington
8461 Lake Worth Road #413

Palm Bay
1501 Robert J Conlan Blvd

Palm Beach Gardens
600 Sandtree Drive #108

Port St. Lucie
8432 S Federal Hwy

Stuart
759 SW Federal Hwy #316

West Palm Beach
2700 Okeechobee Blvd

Jacksonville – Southpoint
4720 Salisbury Rd, Jacksonville

Orlando – Winter Park
941 W Morse Blvd, Winter Park

Who is the chief medical marijuana doctor at MMJ Health?

Anne Lynn Morgan, MD is a licensed physician who is certified in MMJ medicine by the Society of Cannabis Clinicians as well as the American Academy of Cannabis Medicine where she serves on the board of directors. A Diplomate of the American Academy of Family Physicians, Dr. Morgan has been in practice for more than 30 years, Doctor Morgan is well versed in the human endocannabinoid system, and her expertise in such puts her in high demand as a guest speaker.

What to expect at your marijuana doctor appointment

Should you opt to request your pot card from MMJ Health, Dr. Morgan and our team will take care of every aspect of your application. Your appointment with our friendly and knowledgeable pot doc includes:

  • Medical marijuana qualification and certification
  • Medical records request
  • Physical examination and review of medical history
  • Assistance with forms
  • Medical marijuana patient ID number and registration
  • Passport style photo for MMJ card
  • Customized medical marijuana treatment plan

Which states accept a Florida MMJ card?

If you plan to travel to another state, please be aware that carrying marijuana, even if it’s medically legal in Florida, is a federal offense.

Michigan, New Hampshire and Rhode Island won’t bust you for holding or using medical marijuana in an authorized space, if you hold a valid Florida MMJ card. The latter two states will grant you access to medical marijuana dispensaries with your Florida pot card, as well.

Should you visit a state where recreational weed is allowed by law, you can buy cannabis at any dispensary. Currently, recreational marijuana is legal in:

  • Alaska
  • Colorado
  • Illinois
  • Maine
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Nevada
  • Oregon
  • Vermont
  • Washington
  • Washington, D.C.

Can I get a weed card if I’m on probation?

The answer to this common question is “probably.” As long as you hold a valid medical marijuana card and comply with all other conditions of parole, you most likely won’t be drug tested for marijuana but you may still be tested for other drugs. For additional info, please be sure to speak with your parole officer before scheduling an appointment with a Florida marijuana doctor.

How do I renew my medical marijuana card?

When your card is 45 days away from expiration, log into your OMMU account to begin the renewal process. Upload any required documents, make payment by credit card or e-check and electronically sign the renewal application. If you have any questions about how to renew your pot card, please call MMJ Health at (561) 631-7994.

Marijuana as medicine

Cannabis sativa, cannabis indica and hemp can be good medicine. In fact, the NIH says that cannabinoids provide an effective antiemetic for persons dealing with chemotherapy-induced vomiting and nausea. The NIH also states that adults with chronic pain tend to experience significant relief when they add cannabis to their treatment plan.

If you suffer with pain, nausea, sleeplessness or other conditions for which cannabis may help, schedule a consultation with our Florida marijuana doctor as soon as you can. Fill out one simple form and give us a few minutes to reply. Then, make an appointment to meet with our licensed marijuana doctor. If for some reason Dr. Morgan is unable to provide you with a medical marijuana recommendation, your fee will be refunded.

There is no reason to suffer when medical marijuana may offer relaxation and relief. With the recommendation of real pot doc and your Florida weed card, you can obtain your medicine without worrying about legal repercussion. If you still have questions, please call (561) 631-7994 and ask us anything.

Where can I see Reviews for Medical Marijuana Products?

If you are looking for reviews of Florida Dispensaries or any medical marijuana products, visit Leafly.com.

Leafly.com is a website that has information about cannabis products, cannabis strains, dispensaries and basic cannabis information. This site is a great tool for anyone, from beginners to cannabis connoisseurs, as they dive in-depth with easy-to-understand language.

Leafly local dispensaries

If you are looking for a dispensary and want to see reviews, visit weedmaps.com. Similar to Leafly, Weedmaps.com will review dispensaries and products and have a easy to use map function for dispensaries all across the US.

Marijuana dispensaries in Florida

If you are looking for daily cannabis deals and sales, look no further than FLCannabisDeals.org.

FLCannabisDeals.org diligently updates Florida Dispensary deals every day so you can see where you can get the best bang for your buck.

Today's dispensary deal

Critics, Review

 

Using Marijuana as medicine

The Marijuana plant, also known as Cannabis, has 100’s of compounds inside of it that are beneficial to us as human beings. The two most notable and available for use here in Florida are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD).

  1. CBD (Called “Low THC Cannabis” by the state): No “High” or euphoric effects. Cannot be felt in mind, but will eventually feel results in the body. Will give very mild initial results but greater results will come in 4-8 weeks. Think of CBD like a slow-moving freight train, takes a while to get moving, but very effective once it is moving. Only CBD from cannabis (not Hemp) is effective in these ways. CBD from hemp is about 8% effective as CBD from cannabis. It is the most potent anti-inflammatory compound on the planet, estimated to be 100x stronger than Aspirin without the side effects.
    1. Relieves: Inflammation, pain, G.I. issues, nervous system conditions (epilepsy), arthritis, endometriosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, IBS, Ulcerative Colitis.
  2. THC (Called “Medical Marijuana” by the state): In larger doses can cause a “High” or euphoric effect, also called “psychoactive.” Can be felt in body and mind. There are three types of THC products in FL. (No THC = No High)
    1. Sativa (Sunny Sativa): Daytime, uplifting, creativity, elated mood
      1. Relieves: fatigue, depression, pain, increases motivation, focus, more on task, imagination
    2. Indica (In-da-couch Indica): Nighttime, calming, relaxing, elated mood, sleep
      1. Relieves: Insomnia, severe pain, anxiety, muscle tension, migraines
    3. Hybrid (In the middle): A cross between Indica and Sativa. Will display milder characteristics of Sativa or Indica depending on which is dominant.
      1. Relieves: anxiety, depression, moderate pain, mood disturbances, irritability.

There are many ways to consume and administer medical marijuana but here are the most common ways:

  1. Inhalation (Vape or Flower)
    Inhalation or smokable cannabis is the most fast acting compared to other ways of cannabis consumption. The onset for a cannabis high is about 15 to 45 seconds and the duration of your high will be 20 minutes to 1 hour. Inhalation is great for medical marijuana patients seeking immediate symptom relief and microdosing. If you are interested in microdosing medical cannabis, please see our MMJ Health guide on microdosing.
    1. Sublingual aka “Under tongue” Drops
      Sublingual drops, or under the tongue method, have a medium speed of affecting your body. The cannabis onset takes about 10 to 30 minutes and will last for about 30 minutes to 2 hours. Sublingual drops or tinctures are best fit for those looking to microdose and are in need of extended symptom relief.
    2. Oral Drops (aka “Swallowed”)
      Oral drops are one of the slowest ways to feel relief but also have one of the longest duration. It may take from 30 minutes up to 2 hours to feel the effects but you will have relief from 2 hours to 7 hours. Please plan your day ahead of time if you want to use medical cannabis through oral drops. The best time to take oral cannabis drops is bedtime, usually taken 1.5 hours before bed.
  • Edibles
    Edibles are one of the most popular ways to consume medical marijuana. From delicious chocolates to fruity gummies, most patients prefer medical marijuana edibles but edibles may not be the best way for you.
    Edibles may take a long time for onset and duration is dependent on the level of THC, your tolerance, and different brands and strains may have different effects per person. Please read our edibles guide for an in-depth look into Medical Marijuana Edibles.

If you suffer with pain, nausea, sleeplessness or other conditions for which cannabis may help, schedule a consultation with our Florida marijuana doctor as soon as you can.

Fill out one simple form and give us a few minutes to reply. Then, make an appointment to meet with our licensed marijuana doctor. If for some reason Dr. Morgan is unable to provide you with a medical marijuana recommendation, your fee will be refunded.

There is no reason to suffer when medical marijuana may offer relaxation and relief. With the recommendation of a real pot doc and your Florida weed card, you can obtain your medicine without worrying about legal repercussions. If you still have questions, please call (561) 631-7994 and ask us anything.