Obtaining a medical marijuana card from the state allows patients in Gainesville, FL, to legally purchase and use medical marijuana according to state law. A visit to a medical marijuana doctor is the first step in the process, with the doctor making a recommendation if the patient meets the eligibility requirements set by the state.
After the recommendation, the doctor enters the patient information into the state registry. Then, the patient receives an email with a link to complete the application for the medical marijuana card and to pay the required fee. This is done online, with the patient receiving a temporary card by email after the payment and application are received. The actual MMJ card will arrive by mail in about seven to ten business days.
Use in the State and Out of State
The patient can use the temporary card in the email to purchase medical marijuana from a dispensary in Gainesville, FL, or anywhere else in the state. However, the temporary card and the actual MMJ card received in the mail may not be valid in other states. Some states do allow MMJ cardholders from others states to purchase at their dispensaries. This is known as medical marijuana reciprocity.
Florida is not one of the current states recognizing medical marijuana reciprocity. However, patients from Florida may be able to use their Florida MMJ card in 17 other states across the country. Keep in mind, the dispensary determines if they will accept out-of-state MMJ cards.
Traveling with Medical Marijuana
Patients with a Florida medical marijuana card can travel throughout the state with medical marijuana. However, they cannot legally transport medical marijuana across state lines, even if the state recognizes medical marijuana as legal.
Until the federal laws on marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug change, travel out of state with medical marijuana can result in significant criminal charges.
