Associated Press
Florida health officials who oversee the medical marijuana program have started processing identification card applications for patients and caregivers.
The cards, which are issued through the Office of Compassionate Use, are part of regulations passed by the Florida Legislature last year. Department of Health spokeswoman Mara Gambinieri says the rule became effective Feb. 19.
To apply for a card, a patient must be a Florida resident and qualify to receive medical marijuana. Current conditions covered are cancer, epilepsy, chronic seizures and chronic muscle spasms, along with patients with terminal conditions.
Amendment 2, which was passed last year, expands the conditions to HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, post-traumatic stress disorder, ALS, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis or other similar conditions.
Gambinieri adds the department is in the process of updating their website to accept applications electronically.
Trulieve, one of the even companies in Florida authorized to dispense medical marijuana, said it will give patients a break on the cost of obtaining the card.
“Trulieve is offering a $75 credit off one order of $150 or more to make up for the cost of getting an ID card,” a company representative said in a statement. “Additionally, we are offering complimentary assistance with the application process, from filling out the application to turning in completed application packets. We want to make sure we minimize the burden on our patients.”
