Author: Canna Doctors

Some folks who got their medical card are wondering if they still need their traditional medications from the pharmacy. Once you make the move to get your medical card, it may be tempting to curb the big-pharma drugs, but you should make it a very calculated decision.

Whether medical card holders should replace traditional medications with cannabis depends on several factors. In today’s blog post we will explore these factors to help you with your wellness journey and its many forks in the river.

Factors For Deciding To Continue With Traditional Medications

As stated above, the choice to discontinue use of traditional medication with a medical marijuana substitute should not be made on a whim. At Canna Doctors of America your health is our top priority, so we recommend making it a very well thought out decision before making any radical changes to your treatments. Whether medical card holders should replace traditional medications with cannabis depends on several factors. Below are what we suggest you consider before making any hasty choices with your medication.

Medical Conditions: The appropriateness of using cannabis as a substitute depends on the specific medical condition. Cannabis has shown efficacy in managing pain, nausea, certain neurological disorders, and a world of other qualifying conditions, but its effectiveness varies depending on the ailment and the patient’s individual situation.

Doctor’s Recommendation: It’s crucial for you to consult with your primary care physician and any specialists you’re seeing for your condition before discontinuing the use of your traditional meds. Doctors can provide personalized advice based on your medical history, current medications, dosages, and the latest research on cannabis for your ailment.

Risk vs. Benefit: Like any medication, cannabis has potential side effects and interactions with other drugs. It’s essential to weigh these risks against the potential benefits before making a decision. Although the side effects of medical marijuana are dramatically less serious than those of pharmaceuticals, this needs to be taken into account for your unique needs.

Individual Response: People react differently to cannabis. Some may find it effective and have the most benefits of any treatment option, while others may not experience the same benefits or may have adverse reactions. It’s definitely important to assess your body’s response, as we are all very unique. It’s possible you don’t have adverse reactions to marijuana, but for your condition and the current state you’re in, making the switch just doesn’t make sense. In cases like this you should just ease into adding medical cannabis to your routine, not substitute it for other medications.

In conclusion, medical card holders should approach cannabis as they would any other medication: with informed consent, guidance from healthcare providers, and consideration of individual health needs and circumstances. It can be a valuable addition to treatment plans but should not necessarily replace all traditional medications without careful consideration and professional advice.

Florida’s medical marijuana program has clear guidelines in place to ensure patients have access to the medicine they need while also preventing abuse or misuse. Understanding these possession limits is crucial for patients and caregivers to stay compliant with the law. In today’s post we will explore how much medical marijuana card holders can legally possess at any given time.

Medical Cannabis Laws in Florida:
In 2016, Florida voters overwhelmingly approved Amendment 2, which legalized medical cannabis for individuals with qualifying conditions. Since then, the state has developed a comprehensive regulatory framework to govern the cultivation, distribution, and use of medical cannabis.

Staying Compliant:
To avoid legal issues and ensure continued access to medical cannabis, patients and caregivers must adhere to Florida’s possession limits. This includes keeping accurate records of purchases, monitoring supply levels, and renewing medical cannabis certifications as needed.

Possession Limits:
In Florida, medical cannabis possession limits are defined by both daily and 70-day supply restrictions. These limits are determined based on the physician’s recommendation and can vary depending on individual patient needs.

• Daily Limit:
  Patients are allowed to purchase and possess up to the daily limit of medical cannabis as recommended by their physician. This limit is typically calculated based on the patient’s condition and treatment plan.
• 70-Day Supply: Florida law also imposes a 70-day supply limit for certain medical product categories, which restricts the total amount of medical cannabis a patient can possess at any given time. The 70-day supply is calculated based on the physician’s recommendation and may be adjusted as needed.

Calculating Possession Limits:
Determining the appropriate possession limits for medical cannabis can be complex and may require input from healthcare professionals. Factors such as the patient’s condition, treatment goals, and response to therapy all play a role in calculating the appropriate dosage and supply.

Patients and caregivers should work closely with their prescribing physicians to ensure compliance with Florida’s medical cannabis laws. Physicians can provide guidance on dosage, administration methods, and legal requirements to help patients navigate the process safely and effectively.

Additionally, patients should familiarize themselves with any updates or changes to Florida’s medical cannabis laws to stay informed and compliant. If you are a Canna Doctors of America patient and have questions about what you can possess when in public, call one of our offices today. We can help you get the official answers for marijuana possession in Florida.

Medical cannabis has been a topic of growing interest throughout the Sunshine State, especially regarding its potential impact on mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Here are some key points based on current knowledge of how medical cannabis can help with these health conditions.

Learn More About Marijuana’s Effect on Anxiety and Depression

1. Components of Cannabis: Cannabis contains numerous compounds, but two primary ones are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is psychoactive and produces the ‘high’ associated with cannabis, while CBD is non-intoxicating and has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects.

2. Anxiety: Some studies suggest that CBD products may help reduce anxiety. It appears to interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, which are involved in regulating mood and anxiety. Research is ongoing, but CBD shows promise in mitigating symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

3. Depression: The evidence regarding cannabis and depression is more mixed. Some research indicates that low doses of THC may have antidepressant-like effects by increasing serotonin levels. However, chronic use of high-THC cannabis has been associated with a higher risk of developing depression or exacerbating existing symptoms in vulnerable individuals.

4. Potential Mechanisms: Cannabis compounds interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a role in regulating mood, stress response, and emotional processing. By modulating neurotransmitter activity and inflammation levels, cannabinoids like CBD and THC may influence emotional states. This can really help with depression, and when a patient is reacting to their current life struggles.

5. Individual Variability: Responses to cannabis can vary widely among individuals. Factors such as dosage, frequency of use, THC:CBD ratio, and an individual’s genetic predisposition all contribute to how cannabis affects mental health. Ask your doctor (and therapist if you have one) if medical cannabis is a good route for your mental health condition.

6. Concerns and Risks: While cannabis shows promise, there are risks to consider. High-THC cannabis can induce anxiety and paranoia, especially in susceptible individuals. Regular use, particularly in adolescence, may also impact brain development and increase vulnerability to mental health disorders. We recommend using a CBD-only or a THC:CBD ratio product for this reason.

Treating Your Qualifying Conditions With Medical Cannabis

In summary, while medical cannabis shows potential for treating anxiety and possibly depression, it is not without risks. Individuals considering cannabis for mental health conditions should consult healthcare professionals knowledgeable about cannabis use, especially regarding dosage, potential interactions, and overall mental health management.

After your therapist or primary care physician says it’s okay to treat with medical cannabis, come to Canna Doctors of America for your initial medical card consultation. We can get you set up and out to a dispensary the same day as your consultation to help relieve your anxiety or depression. Book your appointment today using our site’s booking tool or call us at 855-949-2266.

After all your medical issues you’ve endured, and the struggle of getting through the day, all you need at the end of so much is a good night’s rest. At Canna Doctors of America we understand many patients suffer from insomnia as a symptom of their qualifying condition. Perhaps you just can’t get to sleep because of your concern about your health and any uncertainty.

Many medical marijuana products have been designed with just that in mind, because of how crucial rest is for the healing process, and of course for relief from ailments. In today’s article we will explore how medical marijuana can help medical card holders in St. Petersburg and the surrounding areas get some wonderful rest.

Medical Marijuana Patients In Need Of Real Deep Sleep

Many of the qualifying conditions for Florida medical marijuana include insomnia as a symptom. Furthermore, every condition is in need of healthy sleep, because consistent sleep is vital to recovering from illnesses. Some patients with chronic pain difficulty finding a comfortable position to sleep in. Medical cannabis with sleepy effects can dramatically help with this. Sticking to indica edibles with great body highs can vastly help patients finally to drift into sleep. Another condition that keeps people up is insomnia from PTSD. For those with a lot on their mind, medical cannabis can be the key to getting the rest they need.

Medical Cannabis Products Tailored For Restful Sleep

Many patients can’t get to sleep because of their qualifying condition, but luckily medical marijuana can really help medical card holders in need. Medical cannabis strains on the indica side are the most sleep inducing varieties. Stack cannabinoids for the best effects, such as edibles with CBN and CBD ratio to THC. The CBN component will help you stay asleep for the longer, rewarding sleep you need. Some excellent products to try for insomnia include:

• Vaporizers
• Edibles
• Tinctures
• Smokable flower
• Capsules

Consult With a Florida Licensed Medical Marijuana Doctor

Regardless of the condition you have, it’s always recommended to consult with a licensed Medical marijuana doctor before trying to adjust your treatment options. Canna Doctors of America is here to help you achieve long lasting, deep and restful sleep. If you don’t have your medical card yet, and are in need of getting healthy sleep, contact Canna Doctors of America. We are here to help you find the compassionate care you need! Give us a call at 855-949-2266 to set up your appointment today, or use our convenient booking tool on our site.

With the recent discussions surrounding the legalization of recreational marijuana in Florida, there’s growing curiosity about how such a move could affect those who currently hold medical marijuana cards. While legalization may seem like a boon for enthusiasts, it prompts concerns among medical users. Let’s delve into the potential impact and considerations for medical card holders.

Access and Availability:
Legalization of recreational marijuana could lead to increased demand, potentially affecting the availability of certain strains or products favored by medical card holders.
Competition for resources, such as dispensaries and knowledgeable staff, might increase, impacting the quality of service and product recommendations for medical users.

Cost Considerations:
A shift towards recreational use could influence pricing dynamics, possibly leading to fluctuations in the cost of medical marijuana products. Taxes imposed on recreational sales might indirectly affect medical users, although certain jurisdictions may provide exemptions or reduced rates for medical purchases.

Regulatory Changes:
Legalization could bring about changes in regulations governing the production, distribution, and sale of marijuana products, which may impact the variety and potency of options available to medical card holders. Stricter regulations or licensing requirements for dispensaries and producers might alter the landscape of the medical marijuana industry, potentially affecting accessibility for patients.

Physician-Patient Relationships:
Physicians prescribing medical marijuana often establish a rapport with their patients, tailored to their specific needs and conditions. The influx of recreational users could alter this dynamic, potentially affecting the level of personalized care medical card holders receive. Longer wait times or reduced appointment availability might result from an increased number of individuals seeking medical marijuana evaluations amidst recreational legalization.

Product Quality and Consistency:
Medical marijuana products are subject to stringent quality control measures to ensure consistency and safety for patients. The introduction of recreational sales might impact these standards, potentially leading to variations in product quality and potency. Medical users may express concerns about the dilution of focus on their specific needs amidst a broader market catering to recreational consumers.

In conclusion, the potential legalization of recreational marijuana in Florida presents both opportunities and challenges for medical card holders. While it may broaden access and normalize usage, there are valid concerns regarding affordability, product availability, and regulatory changes. As discussions progress, it’s imperative for policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize the needs of medical users, ensuring that any shifts in legislation maintain the integrity of the medical marijuana program and uphold the well-being of patients. Regardless of of recreational marijuana’s political path, Canna Doctors of America will remain in place to help you get the medical cannabis you need. If you are up for renewal soon, contact our office to get recertified.

With medical marijuana becoming more popular in the Sunshine State, more and more dispensaries and doctor’s offices are popping up throughout the Tampa Bay Metro Area. Transferring to a medical marijuana doctor closer to your house might make more sense because of its proximity to your home base.

In today’s blog post we will explain how to transfer to a new medical marijuana doctor after you’ve had an initial certification elsewhere. Canna Doctors of America is here to help you get through the transfer process nice and smoothly.

Transferring To a New Medical Marijuana Doctor in Clearwater or St. Petersburg

Transferring to a new medical marijuana doctor in Florida involves a few straightforward steps. Canna Doctors of America has them listed here:

1. Find a New Doctor: Look for a licensed Florida medical marijuana doctor who is registered with the Florida Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU). Canna Doctors of America has the area covered whether you live in Tampa, St. Petersburg, or Clearwater. Our offices are strategically placed for your convenience.

2. Medical Records: Contact your current medical marijuana doctor and request copies of your medical records related to your marijuana treatment. This typically includes your diagnosis, treatment plan, and any other relevant medical information.

3. Schedule an Appointment: Use our convenient booking tool to book an appointment at one of our 3 convenient locations. Scroll down on the booking tool page to select “Transfer to Our Doctor”. One thing to note though, you cannot request a specific doctor with our appointment tool. Call us at 855-949-2266 if you want to see a specific doctor for your medical card transfer certification.

4. Appointment Preparation: Bring your medical records and any other required documentation to your appointment. Your new doctor will review your medical history and discuss your current treatment plan for your qualifying condition.

5. Registration with OMMU: Your new doctor will update your profile with the OMMU. They will submit a new physician certification for you, which is required for you to continue purchasing medical marijuana from dispensaries.

6. Follow-Up: Follow any additional instructions or requirements from your new doctor to ensure ongoing compliance with Florida’s medical marijuana program. Canna Doctors of America will ensure you have all the right recommendations for your health condition, regardless of previous recommendations. If there’s another area we think you should get a prescription, we will explore it to help you find relief.

In conclusion, by following these steps, you can smoothly transfer to a new medical marijuana doctor in Florida and continue receiving the compassionate care you need. Canna Doctors of America often runs specials for new transfer patients, call us today at 855-949-2266 to hear about any current specials and discounts we offer.

With Parkinson’s disease approved as one of the qualifying conditions for Florida medical marijuana, many patients with this condition are looking at cannabis as a supplemental treatment. There is an abundance of Parkinson’s patients throughout the world benefiting from marijuana treatments. In today’s blog post we will explore what Parkinson’s disease is, its symptoms, and the ways that medical cannabis can help patients with this ailment.

What Is Parkinson’s Disease, and What Are Some Common Symptoms?

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that predominantly affects the dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra. This results in a number of symptoms that can develop very slowly over several years. Another thing to note is that the progression of these symptoms ranges quite a bit by individuals because of the diverse effects of this disease. Symptoms can include but are not limited to the following:

• Stiffness of the limbs (rigidity)
• Tremor, mainly at rest and described as pill rolling tremor in hands (several other tremor forms are possible)
• Slowness and paucity of movement (called bradykinesia and hypokinesia)

In addition to the above mentioned movement-related symptoms, Parkinson’s disease patients may also experience systems unrelated to movement as well. Those symptoms may have more of an impact on the individual, and can include depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, hallucinations, and also a variety of other cognitive impairments as well. This condition can truly be devastating and life-altering. However, medical cannabis can help with several symptoms. Let’s jump into how marijuana can help folks impacted by Parkinson’s disease.

How Can Medical Marijuana Help Patients With Parkinson’s?

Medical marijuana can dramatically help with several Parkinson’s symptoms, however most of them are the non-motor types. Research has shown that medical cannabis can help Parkinson’s patients with their nausea and weight loss issues associated with the condition. Also some patients have seen improvement with their sleeplessness, pain, and anxiety. Medical marijuana has helped many Parkinson’s patients overcome these symptoms.

While medical marijuana can have several benefits for Parkinson’s disease patients, there are also risks. Because of this we recommend you consult with your primary care physician before treating with marijuana to confirm it will truly help your unique Parkinson’s symptoms. Canna Doctors of America does acknowledge that medical cannabis can actually have adverse effects for this disease.

As medical professionals we encourage Parkinson’s patients to research and explore multiple treatment options to find what works best for their signature condition. If your doctor does recommend supplementing your Parkinson’s treatments with marijuana, book an appointment at one of our 3 convenient locations. We are here to help Parkinson’s patients with compassionate care.

After Florida’s medical marijuana program arrived, the state’s alternative medicine options really opened up. Although at first things seemed very restrictive, this industry truly is flourishing – and spreading compassionate care throughout the Sunshine State. In today’s blog post we will discuss the core steps to get your medical marijuana card in Tampa, and how we’ve streamlined the process to make it easier for patients to gain access.

Get Started With A Medical Marijuana Doctor Appointment

The very first step to gaining access to medical marijuana in Florida is to book an appointment with a licensed and certified medical marijuana doctor. When we say we’ve streamlined the process, we really mean we have made it so you don’t have to dig on the web to find the next steps – we want to keep things easy for you and your wellness journey. Simply visit our site and use our ‘Book Appointment’ link in the top header part of Canna-doctors.com.

From our browser based appointment tool you can choose from one of our conveniently located offices in Clearwater, St. Pete, or Tampa. From this booking tool you can choose a same day appointment if available! However if you are requesting a specific doctor, you will need to call the general number to get the appointment by name. Give us a call at 855-949-2266 to choose your medical card certification time slot with a specific doctor.

Consult With a Florida Licensed Medical Marijuana Doctor

Your next step to getting your medical marijuana certification is to have a consultation with a doctor. This is pivotal to move on to getting your medical card, since a doctor must certify that you have a qualifying condition to justify the recommendation of medical cannabis. At Canna Doctors of America, we value your privacy, so you can feel comfortable discussing your ailments in private with us. We understand it can be sensitive to talk about, but our highly trained staff is here to help understand how medical marijuana may benefit you with your conditions. All of our doctors give thorough evaluations to ensure you get the best recommendations for your qualifying condition. If you’re approved by the doctor, they will submit your info to the Medical Marijuana Use Registry.

Getting Cleared By The Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry

Once your profile is approved and officially registered with the Medical Marijuana Use Registry your medical card is sent by mail. Florida medical marijuana cards typically take 2-3 weeks to arrive in the mail from the date of approval, but that’s just for the physical card itself.

For your convenience, you can actually get approved the same day at your initial appointment at Canna Doctors of America, and receive a temporary card via email to use in place of the actual medical card. This email with a government issued photo ID will grant you access to any Florida marijuana dispensary. That’s right, same day service from consultation to frequenting a dispensary to get your meds! To set up your initial medical marijuana consultation at Canna Doctors of America, use our appointment booking tool or call us at 855-949-2266.

As medical marijuana has gained reputation for its therapeutic effects and improved quality of life for patients, more and more parents are paying attention to the program and its benefits for minors. Florida medical marijuana laws do not restrict the medical cannabis program based on age.

Patients with qualifying conditions in any stage of life are welcome to the program, however Florida law does have specific requirements for getting minors medical marijuana cards. Today’s article will discuss those requirements in detail, and how parents can help their child receive the medical marijuana treatments they need.

Qualifying Conditions For Minors To Receive Medical Marijuana

Any minor in the State of Florida with a qualifying condition may be eligible for medical marijuana recommendations. A patient’s parent or legal guardian must register with the Medical Marijuana Use Registry. Below is a list of qualifying conditions:

Anxiety
Sleep Disorder
Cancer
Muscle Spasms (Pain)
Fibromyalgia
HIV/AIDS
Hepatitis
Parkinson’s Disease
Migraines
Glaucoma
Arthritis
Multiple Sclerosis
Crohn’s Disease
Epilepsy
Other Seizure Disorders
PTSD

How To Get A Minor In The Medical Marijuana Use Registry

You will have to follow some specific procedures in order to get your minor into Florida’s medical marijuana program.

1.) A medical marijuana doctor must determine that medical marijuana treatment would outweigh the health risks for all patients. If they’re under 18 years of age, a second doctor must sign off on this recommendation.

2.) A physician may not issue a medical marijuana recommendation in the form of smokable marijuana for patients under 18 years of age unless the patient has a terminal illness. If indeed this is the recommendation, there are several more steps here, because of the concerns of recommending any forms of smoking to minors.

3.) The minor’s parent must provide the Office of Medical Marijuana Use with a written request, clearly giving consent for the patient to use medical marijuana products. The minor’s medical marijuana doctors must submit the parent’s Consent for Minor Patient form to the Office Of Medical Marijuana Use prior to submitting the application for a medical marijuana card.

4.) Patients under the age of 18 must designate a caregiver in the medical marijuana card application and in the Medical Marijuana Use Registry.

5.) Minors may not physically purchase the medical marijuana in Florida’s program. Qualified patients under the age of 18 must have their caregiver purchase and administer their medical marijuana products.

In conclusion, Florida’s medical marijuana program does not discriminate by age. All Floridians are welcome to the program if you have a qualifying condition. Those from any age range can apply to get the compassionate care they need for their ailments.

If you are the parent or legal guardian of a minor in need of medical marijuana treatment, Canna Doctors of America is here to help. Simply follow the steps above to get things moving. Contact our office for more information, or to get your minor’s application process started! Call us at 855-949-2266 or use our site’s appointment tool, we are here to help your minor get the treatment they need.

What could be worse when you are weakened from an ailment, uncomfortable, and can’t get to sleep? Not much else – because rest is essential for anyone trying to recover from sickness. Medical card holders across the state are finally getting the rest they need with medical marijuana. In today’s post we will address the best medical marijuana products to choose for longer, more restful sleep. Read more to learn more about how to catch more Zzz’s!

Medical Marijuana Patients In Need Of Restful Sleep

Nearly everyone with any qualifying condition is in need of good sleep, because consistent sleep is vital to recovering from illnesses. However, some ailments cause lack of sleep or difficulty getting comfortable enough for sleep more than others. Below are some patient conditions where having medical marijuana plays a key factor in the individuals getting their much needed rest.

Chronic Pain: Many Florida medical card holders with chronic pain conditions have trouble sleeping. This is a result of a number of things, such as the inability to find a comfortable position when sleeping due to the chronic pain. Heavy indica edibles with intense body highs can greatly help patients finally feel comfortable enough to drift into sleep.

Insomnia: Although this is very obvious, it is important to point out that medical marijuana has helped many Floridians get extremely good sleep who never could get to sleep to begin with. Those with insomnia can finally get to sleep with the right medical cannabis products. Oftentimes this is a symptom of PTSD that Tampa medical marijuana doctors prescribe marijuana for.

The Top Cannabis Products For Consistent Sleep

If you are a medical card holder in Tampa or the surrounding area, restful sleep can be found with marijuana. Visit your local medical dispensary for one of these well-known products and you will find yourself counting sheep. As always, try to purchase these products in indica or indica-dominant hybrid types. One great idea is to combine cannabinoids with the below products, such as having THC to CBD or THC to CBN ratio products.

• Gummies
• Chocolates
• Baked goods
• Capsules
• Smokeable flower
• Vaporizers
• Concentrates

Getting The Restful Sleep You Need From Medical Cannabis

To summarize, there are some really effective marijuana products to help patients get to sleep. If you’re having issues sleeping from insomnia, chronic pain, or any other symptoms from qualifying conditions, medical marijuana is here to help! Another important takeaway from this article is that experts suggest combining cannabinoids to achieve optimal sleep such as CBD to THC ratio products or CBN to THC ratio products. Restful sleep to help you get over your illness is just a consultation away. To get your medical marijuana certification started, contact Canna Doctors of America today at 855-949-2266.