What to Bring to a Medical Marijuana Appointment in Florida

If you’re considering a medical marijuana evaluation in Florida, knowing what to prepare can make your first appointment easier. You don’t need to have every answer before you arrive, but gathering your identification, relevant medical information, and questions can help your physician understand your situation.

Here’s a checklist to help you get ready.

1. Bring identification and check your residency documents

Florida’s medical marijuana program is available to qualifying permanent and seasonal residents. Before your appointment, ask the clinic what identification it needs to verify your identity.

You’ll also need to meet the state’s residency documentation requirements when applying for your Medical Marijuana Use Registry ID card. The documents depend on your circumstances. For example, an adult seasonal resident without a valid Florida driver’s license or Florida ID must provide two qualifying proofs of residential address.

Review the Office of Medical Marijuana Use’s identification card instructions for the current requirements. If you live in Florida part of the year, our guide for seasonal residents explains what to consider.

2. Gather relevant medical records

Your physician needs to understand your medical history and evaluate whether you meet Florida’s requirements. Records that document your diagnosis and care can help make that conversation more productive.

Depending on your situation, useful records may include:

• Recent visit summaries from your primary care physician or specialist.
• Records showing a diagnosis or treatment history.
• Relevant discharge summaries or specialist notes.
• A list of previous treatments and how they affected you.

Ask the clinic which records are needed for your particular appointment. If you don’t have copies, your current provider may be able to help you obtain them.

Protect your privacy: Ask the clinic for its approved way to provide records. Do not send medical records through general email or a public contact form.

3. Make a list of your medications and health concerns

Write down the medications and supplements you take, including their names and doses if you know them. Include over-the-counter products, and tell the physician about any allergies or previous side effects.

It can also help to note:

• The symptoms or health concerns you want to discuss.
• How long you’ve experienced them.
• Treatments you’ve already tried.
• Questions or concerns you have about medical marijuana.

The physician can use this information to discuss whether medical marijuana may be appropriate for you, including potential risks and interactions. Don’t stop or change your current treatment without discussing it with your treating clinician.

4. Prepare a few questions for the physician

An evaluation is a chance to understand your options, not just complete paperwork. You might ask:

• Does my medical history meet Florida’s program requirements?
• Is medical marijuana appropriate for me?
• What risks or interactions should I discuss with my other healthcare providers?
• If I qualify, what happens after the evaluation?
• When would I need a follow-up or renewal evaluation?
• What are the clinic’s fees, and which state fees are separate?

Your physician makes an individual clinical decision. Having a diagnosis or attending an appointment does not guarantee certification.

5. Confirm the appointment details before you go

When you schedule, ask the office to confirm the physician, visit address, appointment time, evaluation fee, and what to bring. If you’re missing a record, let the office know ahead of time and ask how to proceed.

Florida requires an in-person examination for an initial certification. Certain subsequent renewal examinations may be conducted by telehealth after the same qualified physician has examined the patient in person. If you change physicians, the new physician must first examine you in person. See the Florida OMMU physician FAQs for details.

Booking or completing forms online is separate from the physician examination.

What happens after the evaluation?

If the physician determines that you meet the requirements and medical marijuana is appropriate, the physician enters the necessary information and applicable order into Florida’s Medical Marijuana Use Registry.

You then apply to the state for your registry ID card and follow the application instructions, including required documents and payment. An appointment or submitted application is not the same as an approved, active card. You can check your application status in the registry.

For the state’s overview of eligibility and the steps to treatment, visit OMMU’s patient page.

Ready to plan your appointment?

If you’re considering an evaluation, contact Express Marijuana Card to ask about appointment availability, the physician, current fees, and the records to prepare. You can reach the team at 877-933-3362.

This article is for general information and is not medical or legal advice. Eligibility and certification depend on Florida’s requirements and an individual evaluation by a qualified physician.