The Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative, also known as Amendment 2, appeared on the November 8, 2016 ballot in Florida as an initiated constitutional amendment. It was passed with 71% of voters support. On June 9th 2017, Florida Governor Rick Scott signed into effect the Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative. The bill provides patients who suffer from one of the following "debilitating medical conditions" legal protection under Amendment 2, as per the Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative:

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• Cancer

• Epilepsy

• Glaucoma

• HIV

• AIDS

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

• Crohn's disease

• Parkinson's disease

• Multiple sclerosis (MS)

• Medical conditions of the same kind or class as or comparable to those above

• A terminal condition diagnosed by a physician other than the qualified physician issuing the physician certification

• Chronic nonmalignant pain caused by a qualifying medical condition or that originates from a qualifying medical condition and persists beyond the usual course of that qualifying medical condition

Who Qualifies for Medicinal Marijuana in Florida?

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As per the legislation of Florida's Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative, Amendment 2, passed November 8, 2016, qualified patients diagnosed with a debilitating medical condition may lawfully obtain and use marijuana for medical purposes, where the patient has been certified by a licensed Florida marijuana doctor.

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Types of Medical Marijuana Products

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Patients who possess a physician's recommendation may legally obtain medical cannabis provided by state licensed dispensaries. A qualified physician may not issue a physician certification for more than three 70-day supply limits of marijuana. The Department of Health shall quantify by rule a daily dose amount with equivalent dose amounts for each allowable form of marijuana dispensed by a medical marijuana treatment center. 

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Current Law

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Qualified patients are currently permitted to possess, use, or administer marijuana in the form of capsules, pills, vaporizing cartridges, topical creams, tinctures, flower in a sealed, temper-proof receptacle for vaping (most dispensaries are eliminating these), loose flower and pre-rolls.

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Available Products

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Vaporizing Cartridge

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Hand-held vaporizers are designed to heat the cannabis product to a temperature just below that of combustion, thereby producing vapor to be inhaled instead of smoke. Many medical marijuana patients, who are unable to smoke, rely on different methods of delivery like vaporizing. 

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Pills (Capsules)

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Time-released capsules can bridge the comfort gap for patients who are curious about trying medical marijuana to help relieve their symptoms but are intimidated by or lack of knowledge about the more common consumption methods. The metered dosing offers convenience for patients who need long-term relief, portability, and discretion.

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Oral Tincture

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The major advantage of sublingual administration is that the medicine is rapidly absorbed through the sublingual artery, your body's main blood supply to the tongue. This artery arises from the external carotid artery, which, in turn, is close to the internal carotid artery which allows the medicine to quickly reach the brain. Additionally, the tincture does not come in contact with the acids in your stomach like other edibles do.

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Edibles (coming soon)

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Unlike smoking cannabis, edibles are introduced to the body through the gastrointestinal tract and processed by the liver before entering the bloodstream. The liver changes the cannabinoid THC into the more potent 11-hydroxi-THC which tends to have a stronger, more sedative effect. Eating it will last longer, and result in a more intense feeling. Longer-lasting effects do not require continued dosing throughout the day or night. Not as harsh or damaging to the lungs as smoking; when you smoke it, the burning plant material releases more than just THC vapors, and event though THC itself is a cancer-fighting agent, all of these nasty side effects of smoking can still cause cancer and/or other illnesses in your body.

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Topicals

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Topicals are cannabis-infused lotions, balms, creams, gels, and oils that are absorbed through the skin for localized relief of pain, soreness, and inflammation. Because they are non-psychoactive, topical are often chosen by patients who want the therapeutic benefits of marijuana without the cerebral euphoria associated with other delivery methods. Microdosing makes it possible for users to get the full benefits of THC itself without the negative effects of higher-strength doses. Other transdermal innovations are available in the cannabis market, including long-lasting patches for patients.

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Vaping Flower

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Using a vaporizer allows patients to absorb a cloud of cannabinoids. Though every dose is nearly invisible to the eye, they are pleasantly flavorful and potent. A proper vaporizer will heat medical marijuana to a temperature between 355 to 385 degrees Fahrenheit. By vaporizing, you get all the benefits of medical cannabis, while escaping the dangers of smoke. Cannabis vapor enters the bloodstream in seconds and patients have instantaneous gratification from a proper dose. Vaping allows a patient to taste flavors normally lost to flame, and enjoy the smokeless, ash-less experience.

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Smoking

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Smoking medical marijuana delivers instant relief, while it is fairly easy to regulate the dosages. Flower is usually minimally processed and offers multiple strain options and dosages. How it works is quite simple. Pack a small amount of dried (cured) cannabis flower into a pipe, a water pipe, or into rolling paper. Then hold a flame to the cannabis flower until it combusts as you inhale the smoke from the mouthpiece or other end of the joint. It is recommended to start small. Inhale lightly and there is no need to hold the smoke in your lungs, follow with an exhale. Wait a few minutes. If you do not feel the desired effects, or you want to feel a greater effect, take another hit.

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Concentrates

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Concentrates are a great option for seasoned medical cannabis consumers looking to increase the intensity of their high, as well as flavor connoisseurs seeking to taste the most exquisite terpene profiles. Medical marijuana patients in need of relief also turn to concentrates for a direct, economical and fast-acting macro-dosing solution to their ailments. On average, the concentrate a patient might dab has between 60-80% THC, compared to smoking cannabis flower which averages 10-25% THC. For this reason, dabbing is much more economical for most users, as far less product needs to be consumed to reach optimal or desired effects. The effects of a dab usually come on stronger and quicker than smoking flower. Because of this, dabbing is often recommended for experienced or frequent users due to the high potency of the product. Some forms include wax, shatter, crumble and terpene sauce.

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