Medical Marijuana Doctor Issuing Recommendations for Patients Near Tampa, St. Petersburg and All of Florida
There is good reason why medical cannabis is rapidly gaining acceptance and popularity around the country. Scientific studies have shown the effectiveness of cannabis at treating many symptoms of illness and chronic pain, without many of the dangerous and life-threatening side effects of opiate pain killers.
If you would like to find out if medical marijuana is right for you, call Access Marijuana RX today at (727) 209-5470 to get started. We help patients from St. Petersburg, Tampa and all of Florida.
request an appointmentThe process is risk-free; if you do not receive a recommendation for marijuana, you will not be charged for your evaluation.
Medical cannabis offers a variety of benefits to patients. Some of the most significant benefits are detailed below.
Candidates for Medical Cannabis Treatments
Many people are ideal candidates for medical marijuana in the state of Florida. If you are looking for a way to manage pain and other symptoms associated with a qualifying condition, medical marijuana could be an excellent option. Schedule an evaluation with our ordering physician to learn if THC and CBD products could be beneficial additions to your existing treatment strategy.
How long does it take to get approved for medical marijuana?
If you are eligible for medical marijuana, you will receive a recommendation during your initial evaluation. At that time, our qualified physician will enter your information into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry. From there, you can apply for your Medical Marijuana Use Registry Identification Card.
Application documents and payments take five business days to process. When the payment is received, the application review process can begin. That process takes another five business days. If the application is approved, you will receive a temporary card, and your official card will be mailed within five business days.
In summary, the entire application review process takes 10 business days. If you submit your application by mail or if parts of your application are rejected, the approval process will take longer.
Forms of medical marijuana we offer
There are many forms of medical marijuana available today. However, the legality of different products, strains, and concentrations varies by state. Our physician can help you explore your options under Florida law, and so can your local MMTC.
Some of the forms of MMJ that are available include:
- Flower
- Oils
- Tinctures
- Edibles
- Topicals
What kind of documentation is provided for a medical marijuana prescription?
You will receive a medical marijuana recommendation document from our physician if you qualify. This recommendation is a state-provided form. It is what you will use to apply for your medical cannabis card. It is similar to a prescription in many ways, except that medical marijuana cannot be prescribed like other treatments or therapies.
The potential risks associated with Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana is generally considered to be a safe and effective therapy. However, there are some potential risks associated with its use, including increased heart rate, short-term reduced memory and attention span, and low blood pressure. Many patients decide that the benefits of MMJ outweigh the risks. Our physicians will work with you to determine your specific risks related to your qualifying medical condition and health history.
Can I purchase medical marijuana outside of my state?
Generally speaking, your medical marijuana card does not hold much weight outside of the state where it was issued. That means that you typically cannot use your Florida med card to purchase MMJ while you are traveling.
The exception to this rule is something known as medical marijuana reciprocity. Essentially, a select few states recognize out-of-state medical cannabis cards for the purpose of purchasing or possessing cannabis. Be sure to check the laws where you are traveling. You may have to register with the MMJ program in that state before you can obtain cannabis from a dispensary.
In states where it is legal, you can simply purchase recreational marijuana without needing your medical marijuana card. Keep in mind that transporting cannabis across state lines is illegal under federal law.
Appetite Increase with Medical Marijuana
Patients frequently turn to cannabis as a natural appetite stimulant for a number of medical issues. The ability of marijuana to increase appetite is commonly known on a casual level, but clinical trials have provided scientific evidence as well.
Ongoing loss of appetite can lead to serious complications, such as weight loss, malnutrition and diminished strength and muscle mass. Medical marijuana can help to stimulate the appetite and help patients who may be suffering from conditions including:
- Cancer
- PTSD
- HIV/AIDS
- ALS
- Crohn’s disease
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Conditions related to older age
Even when you don’t feel like eating, it’s important to consider that good nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight are crucial elements of your recovery. Not only can eating well help you physically cope with a medical condition, it can help you emotionally as well.
Nausea Reduction with Medical Marijuana
If you are experiencing nausea or vomiting, you won’t have an appetite. Since marijuana is effective at developing an appetite where one wouldn’t otherwise exist, it naturally follows that cannabis is also effective at reducing or eliminating nausea and vomiting.
For patients who are undergoing chemotherapy or suffering nausea as a direct symptom of illness, medical marijuana can provide much needed comfort and the ability to feel an increased appetite.
Pain Relief with Medical Marijuana
Pain can emerge from a variety of anatomical sources, such as your limbs, joints and back. Severe and chronic pain can prevent you from earning a living or enjoying life to the fullest. With the natural pain-reducing properties of medical cannabis, you get back to work and the things you love most.
Although opioids are often used for the treatment of chronic pain, they often fail to provide long-lasting relief and they pose considerable risks of addiction and other side effects. Medical marijuana is commonly recommended to manage pain for a number of conditions and possess very few side effects.
Marijuana vs. Prescription Drugs for Pain and Other Symptoms
A growing number of Americans are choosing marijuana as a viable alternative to prescription pain killers. To date, there are no recorded deaths linked to marijuana overdose. In fact, medical cannabis may play a significant role in the reduction of opiate-related deaths in the states that have legalized marijuana so far.
Common side effects of opiate drugs include:
- Sedation
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Physical dependence
Pain medication should improve your quality of life, not threaten it. It’s important to meet with Dr. Brown and discuss all of your treatment options.
Call Us Today to Learn If Medical Marijuana Is Right for You
If you would like to learn if the benefits of medical marijuana can help improve your quality of life, please contact Access Marijuana RX today at (727) 209-5470. Our St. Petersburg office welcomes patients from Tampa and throughout Florida.