Cannabis is a versatile crop that produces chemicals known as cannabinoids that mimic compounds produced in the human body and are credited with addressing a wide-spectrum of conditions, such as nausea and vomiting, chronic pain and insomnia. The most common cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).
What is Medical Cannabis Therapy?
What are THC and CBD?
THC
Is the most common cannabinoid and associated with the euphoric effects many feel when smoking cannabis or using cannabis-infused products. THC reduces nausea, increases appetite and is effective in pain relief. It has many other medicinal or therapeutic benefits and works best with terpenes, CBD and the other cannabinoids.
CBD
Is associated with many therapeutic benefits including its anti-inflammatory properties. It is believed to have no psychoactive effects, meaning it does not produce the “high” associated with THC use.
Medical Cannabis Spectrum
REPORTED EFFECT | THC | CBD |
|---|---|---|
| Can Alleviate Pain (analgesic) | Yes | Yes |
| Can Reduce Inflammation (anti-Inflammatory) | Yes | |
| Can Stimulate Appetite (orexigenic) | Yes | |
| Can Reduce Nausea (anti-emetic) | Yes | Yes |
| Can Reduce Anxiety (anxiolytic) | Yes | |
| Can Moderate Psychosis (anti-psychotic) | Yes | |
| Can Reduce Seizures (anti-epileptic) | Yes | Yes |
| Can Suppress Muscle Spasms (anti-spasmodic) | Yes | Yes |
| Can Help with Sleep (anti-insomnia) | Yes | |
| Can Boost Immunization (immunosuppressant) | Yes | |
| Can Reduce Blood Sugar Levels (anti-diabetic) | Yes | |
| Can Deter Neurodegeneration (neuroprotectant) | Yes | Yes |
| May Inhibit Cell Growth in Tumors (anti-proliferative) | Yes | Yes |
| Can Promote Bone Health (bone-stimulant) | Yes | |
| Can Reduce Depression (anti-depressant) | Yes |
What is the Criteria to be considered for Cannabis Treatment?
Since the passage of Amendment II in November 2016, an increased number of inquiries have been made about the use of medical cannabis. Some patients, may achieve a higher level of relief from their symptoms when combining their current medical treatments and medical cannabis.
The necessary criteria has been pursued to ensure accreditation for Bradenton Pain and Wellness Center through the Florida Department of Health’s Office of Compassionate Use, to be able to evaluate and make recommendations for the use of medical cannabis if it could be helpful for patients with certain chronic conditions, such as:
- Chronic Nonmalignant Pain
- Cancer/Chemotherapy induced nausea
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Anorexia/Weight Loss
- Crohn’s Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- A Terminal Condition
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS (Acquired immune deficiency syndrome)
- Epilepsy
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Huntington’s Disease
- Tourette’s Disease
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Positive Status for Human Immunodeficiency Virus
- Medical Conditions of the same Kind, Class, or Comparable to those above*
* State law allows doctors the ability to certify patients for medical cannabis who are suffering from conditions that have similar symptoms, processes, or debilitating nature as those listed. This may include a wide array of chronic illness and symptoms. If you have a medical condition that you believe may benefit from medical cannabis contact us to discuss further.
**A separate consultation is required and please note this is NOT covered by any insurance. Please contact the office for details and appointments.
How to Get a Florida Medical Marijuana Card
The general process of applying for and obtaining medical cannabis in Florida for verified residents is as follows:
Medical Evaluation
Medical Evaluation: Patient is evaluated by a qualified ordering physician. The patient must be a Florida resident and have a valid Florida ID or driver’s license. Schedule a Medical Evaluation with Dr. Ycaza
Patient Registry
Patient must be diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition. The physician will then enter the patient’s information and email into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR) and approve an order.
Patient Card Issued
The Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) will send the patient an email with directions for the MMUR identification card application process, along with their patient ID number. Patients will be notified by email when their application is approved.
Patient Purchase
Once approved, patients can purchase from a licensed Medical Marijuana Retailer. Until they receive their ID card in the mail, patients may present their approval email to make a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Medical Cannabis is quickly expanding in Florida. Our clinic works hard to stay up to date with the ever changing laws and regulations so our patients stay in compliance with Florida State law. Here’s the answers to some of your most frequent questions.
What do I need for my first appointment?
Submit patient forms online in advance of appointment by filling out the Request A Consultation forms online.
Passport photo (CVS, Walgreens, AAA) or current Florida Driver’s License/State ID card
Government issued ID or proof of residency
Your initial visit will take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. We will help you to complete all requirements to obtain your State issued Medical Marijuana Registry ID card.
Can we do a virtual appointment (Skype, Video Chat or Phone)?
No. Florida law requires physicians to conduct a face to face physical evaluation in order to certify a patient for medical marijuana.
Is my treatment confidential?
Absolutely. Your privacy is of the utmost importance. We comply with all HIPAA privacy standards. We will not release your medical records without your written consent.
What are the costs?
Our initial evaluation and certification visit is $225. Follow up appointments, including re-certification visits are $99. Transfer evaluations are $200.
The Office of Medical Marijuana Use (formerly the Office of Compassionate Use) requires patients to submit a completed application and obtain a Medical Marijuana Registry ID card. The application fee is $75 and must be renewed yearly. MMTC discounts are available to help offset the cost of the yearly card.
Medication costs vary by dispensary and delivery method. Medication is not taxed.
Do you accept insurance?
No. While legal on a state level, medicinal cannabis remains illegal on a federal level. This prevents insurance companies from providing reimbursement for cannabis treatment.
Do you provide refunds?
If the doctor determines that you are ineligible for certification (at your initial evaluation appointment) we will refund your appointment fee. We do our best to pre-screen all patients so this does not happen. We are unable to offer refunds for any other circumstances.
How often do i have to see the doctor?
We will see you for a follow up recertification visit approximately 4 months after your initial evaluation. This is standard medical practice for patients taking medications and allows us to further assist you in getting the most out of your medical cannabis care.
Do I have to be a Florida resident?
Florida law requires that patients are Florida residents or seasonal residents. To qualify as a seasonal resident you must live in Florida at least 31 consecutive days per year.
How do I prove Florida residency?
Full time residents must submit a copy of their Florida issued driver’s license or ID with their Medical Marijuana Use Registry identification card application.
Seasonal residents must submit two of the following documents as proof of residency:
A deed, mortgage statement, mortgage payment booklet, or residential rental/lease agreement.
One proof of address from the patient’s parent, step-parent, legal guardian, or other person with whom the patient resides. The patient must also submit a statement from the person with whom the patient resides attesting that the patient does in fact live with him/her.
An utility hookup, work order, or utility bill not more than 2 months old.
Mail from a bank or financial institution.
Mail from a federal, state, county, or municipal government agency, not more than 2 months old.
Other documentation that provides proof of residential address may be accepted by department rule.
Can someone else pick up my medication?
Yes, but they must be your legal representative/caregiver. If you require assistance, you may assign a Caregiver who can pick up, carry, and administer your medication for you.
To become a Caregiver an individual must meet certain conditions*:
At least 21 years of age
Complete a certification course
Pass a background check
Submit a completed application (with a fee)
Cannot be a qualified physician or employed in a medical marijuana treatment center (dispensary)
Assigned within the Registry to a specific patient
Provide proof of Legal Representation (power of attorney, health care surrogate, guardianship)
*This process is still evolving and may not yet be in place.
Do I have to smoke marijuana?
No. There are a variety of other ways to consume medical cannabis including vaporization, sublingual (under the tongue), oral, topical, and suppository delivery methods.
If I have medical Marijuana ID Card from anther state, can I use it?
No. Florida does not have reciprocity between other states’ programs. If you are a permanent or seasonal Florida resident you will need to qualify under the Florida program.
Get Pain Relief Today
Understanding the underlying cause of your pain is fundamental to tailoring the treatment plan that will work best for you. Our Pain Specialists take a proactive approach to diagnosing and treating a wide variety of pain-causing conditions, using the latest technologies and most advanced equipment.