To get a medical marijuana card in Pinellas County, Florida, you must get a diagnosis from a qualified physician. Medical marijuana has been legal in Florida since 2016 after 71% of voters approved an amendment allowing it. However, recreational marijuana is still illegal.
If you have been arrested while using marijuana, please contact our Pinellas County drug criminal defense lawyers as soon as possible.
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How Can I Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Pinellas County, Florida?
Tampa Bay Times reports, to get a medical marijuana card in Pinellas County, you must:- Receive an in-person medical examination from a qualified physician.
- To find a qualified physician able to diagnose you, you can use Florida’s state medical marijuana website.
- You must be diagnosed with at least one qualifying medical condition.
- If under 18, you will need the same diagnosis from two physicians.
- Once your physician determines a medical marijuana card is appropriate, they can enter your information on the state’s medical marijuana use registry.
- After that, you’ll need to finish the application yourself online.
- You will be required to:
- Upload a photo of yourself
- Prove your Florida residency, with a state driver’s license or ID card
- Or, if you’re a seasonal resident, provide a copy of documents such as utility bills or a deed.
- Submit a processing fee.
Where Can I Buy a Medical Marijuana in Pinellas County, Florida
- You can only legally obtain medical marijuana from a qualified treatment center – such as a qualified dispensary.
- There are 46 dispensaries in Pinellas County and 40 in Hillsborough County.
- You can find a list of these here.
Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Marijuana Card in Pinellas County:
In Florida, physicians can register a patient into the state’s medical marijuana use registry for a wide range of conditions, including:- Terminal conditions
- Cancer
- Chronic nonmalignant pain
- Crohn’s disease
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Lou Gehrig’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Can I Get Marijuana Without a Medical Marijuana Card in Pinellas County?
- No. Non-medical marijuana is illegal in Florida.
- You should have your medical marijuana card on you at all times, if you’re using or are in possession of medical marijuana.
- An amendment may allow for recreational medical marijuana in the future, with a potential ballot paving the way to a new law. 60% of a ballot vote will be required.
Other Medical Marijuana Laws to Be Aware Of:
- Your medical marijuana must be in a sealed tamper-proof container sold at a legal dispensary.
- You or your caregiver must purchase medical marijuana, not anyone else.
- It is illegal to share your medical marijuana, even if they have a medical marijuana card.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida?
- A Medical Marijuana card costs $75, for each issue or renewal.
- This does not include the physician appointment costs, which vary with each physician.
- Insurance does not pay for medical marijuana, as it is illegal federally (despite being legal medically in Florida).
How Do I Renew My Medical Marijuana Card in Pinellas County, Florida?
- Medical marijuana cards issued in Florida have expiration dates, so you’ll need to renew it.
- You can renew it 45 days before the expiration date.
- You can receive a renewal certification through ‘telehealth’ with a physician you’ve already seen in person.You must see a physician every seven months, to keep your certification active.
How Much Medical Marijuana Can I Buy in Pinellas County, Florida?
- The amount of medical marijuana you are allowed to buy is determined by your physician.
- Since 2022, there are maximum dosage amounts for different marijuan products (a rule created by Florida health officials).
- Exemptions may be made for anyone who a physician deems is required more.
Smoking Medical Marijuana
- The daily dose for smoking is capped at weight, not THC content (2.025 grams).
- Smoking medical marijuana should not exceed 2.5 ounces per 35-day supply.
- For inhaling with vapes, the daily dose of THC is 350 mg.
- THC is the substance in the marijuana that gives the ‘high’.
Edible Medical Marijuana
- The allowed daily dose for edible marijuana is 60 mg THC, per 70-day supply limit.
Oral Ingestion Medical Marijuana
- Oral ingestion, such as tinctures, is limited to a 200 mg daily dose of THC.
- Suppositories are limited to 195 mg THC.
Topical Application Medical Marijuana
- Topical applications such as creams are limited to 150 mg THC.
