Medical cannabis is increasingly popular for managing conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and PTSD. Yet, understanding its benefits, legalities, and safe use can be confusing. This guide breaks down the essentials of medical cannabis, from its main ingredients to obtaining a medical marijuana card in Florida.
What Makes Medical Cannabis Special?
THC and CBD: The Active Ingredients
Medical cannabis isn’t just about getting high—many people use it to manage serious health conditions. Two of the most biologically active ingredients in cannabis are THC and CBD.
● THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): THC is responsible for the ‘high’ sensation. It can also help with pain, nausea, and muscle problems.
● CBD (Cannabidiol): This component doesn’t get you high, but it helps with things like anxiety, seizures, and inflammation.
There’s a growing body of research showing that cannabis may help with conditions like chronic pain, epilepsy, cancer symptoms, and PTSD, but more studies are still needed to fully understand how it works long-term.
Sativa vs. Indica: What’s the Difference?
Sativa and Indica. These are two main types of cannabis plants, and each gives a slightly different experience:
● Sativa: Gives you more energy and can help with daytime symptoms like fatigue or low mood.
● Indica: Makes you feel relaxed and sleepy, which is great for things like stress, pain, or insomnia.
Most medical cannabis products today are hybrids, meaning they combine both Sativa and Indica traits to offer the best of both worlds.
Ways to use medical cannabis
There are lots of ways to use medical cannabis. Each one works a little differently, so finding the best fit might take some time.
Smoking or Vaping | Works quickly (within minutes) but only lasts a few hours |
Edibles (like gummies or chocolates) | Takes longer to kick in (about 1-2 hours) but lasts much longer—up to 12 hours! |
Tinctures and Oils | Placed under the tongue for fast relief (15-45 minutes) |
Topicals (creams and lotions) | Good for localized pain, like sore joints or muscles |
Capsules | Easy to take and offer precise dosing but take 1-2 hours to work |
Hemp-Based CBD vs. Low-THC Cannabis
Hemp-based CBD and low-THC cannabis both offer non-intoxicating relief, but they have some key differences:
Hemp-Based CBD | Low-THC Cannabis |
Contains less than 0.3% THC | Contains up to 0.8% THC |
Available over-the-counter | Requires a medical marijuana card |
Great for mild symptoms | Better for more serious conditions |
Found in stores and online | Only available at dispensaries (MMTCs) |
easy to buy at stores and works well for mild symptoms | low-THC cannabis might be a better option if you need stronger symptom relief |
Low-THC Cannabis: What Is It and Who Uses It?
Low-THC cannabis contains less than 0.8% THC, so it won’t make you feel high. Instead, it’s packed with CBD and other compounds to help with things like anxiety, seizures, and chronic pain. This is a great option for people who need medical benefits but don’t want the intoxicating effects of regular cannabis.
How the Endocannabinoid System Works
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is something your body already has—it helps regulate things like sleep, appetite, mood, and pain. Cannabis works by interacting with two main receptors in your ECS:
● CB1 receptors: Found mostly in your brain, they affect mood, memory, and pain.
● CB2 receptors: Found predominantly in your immune system and GI tract, they play a role in reducing inflammation.
When you use medical cannabis, THC and CBD attach to these receptors to help your body feel more balanced and relieve symptoms. The cannabis plant contains over 450 compounds, in addition to over 100 phytocannabinoids that activate CB1 and CB2 receptors. These compounds interact to create what scientists call The Entourage Effect. The Entourage Effect means that the cannabis plant’s compounds work better together than alone. So, using the whole plant may provide stronger benefits than using CBD or THC alone.
Who Qualifies for Medical Cannabis in Florida?
In Florida, only people with specific medical conditions can qualify for a medical marijuana card. These conditions include:
● Cancer
● Epilepsy
● Glaucoma
● HIV/AIDS
● Crohn’s disease
● Parkinson’s disease
● Multiple sclerosis (MS)
● Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
● Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
● Chronic nonmalignant pain (from a qualifying condition that lasts
longer than normal recovery)
● Terminal conditions (as diagnosed by a physician)
● Medical conditions of the same kind or class as those listed
Possession Limits and Smoking Regulations in Florida
● Patients can buy up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis flower every 35 days.
● There are also limits on how many edibles and other products you can buy (24,500 mg of THC per 70 day supply).
● Smoking is allowed, but only in private spaces—it’s not permitted in public places.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida
Getting a medical marijuana card in Florida is a fairly straightforward process if you
follow these steps:
Visit a Certified Doctor: You’ll need to see a doctor who is registered with the
state’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU). They’ll check if you have a
qualifying condition and approve your use.
Apply Online: The doctor will submit your information to the state. You’ll then
need to complete the application online with the Florida Medical Marijuana
Use Registry (MMU) and pay a $75 fee.
Wait for Approval: Online applications take an average of 7-10 business days
for approval by the state.
Shop at an MMTC (Medical Marijuana Treatment Center): Once you have your
card, you can buy medical cannabis from any licensed dispensary in Florida
(known in Florida as an MMTC).
Dosing Medical Cannabis Safely: Start Low and Go Slow
Everyone’s body reacts differently to cannabis, so it’s best to start with a low dose and slowly increase it until you feel improvement without side effects. For example, starting with a low dose of 2.5 mg is often effective for beginners. If you’re using edibles, remember they can take up to 2 hours to work, so avoid taking additional doses too soon. A certified physician can provide you with basic dosing guides for each form of cannabis based on your diagnosis and treatment goals, this includes regular
dosing and micro-dosing.
Medical cannabis can be a valuable part of managing health conditions, especially when used alongside traditional care. If you're unsure about which option might be right for you—low-THC cannabis, medical marijuana, or CBD—reach out to a certified doctor. And remember, getting a medical marijuana card in Florida is straightforward if you meet the qualifications.
Dr. Garland is a board-certified Family Medicine physician and certified medical marijuana specialist in Jacksonville, FL. Together with Dr. Jing Jing Cardona, she is dedicated to restoring the patient-physician relationship through personalized, comprehensive care. Their practice is currently accepting new patients and offers a variety of services including direct primary care memberships, medical aesthetics, and medical marijuana certifications. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, visit Cardona Direct Primary Care today!
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