Author: Canna Doctors

There’s no shedding a different light on it. All forms of marijuana legalization are controversial topics and have been ‘stirring the pot’ between political parties, traditional citizens, and state lines for decades. According to some government websites, marijuana is by far the most commonly trafficked and abused ‘illicit drug’ worldwide. Obviously, this is not an illicit drug, but rather an incredible medicine that can be used responsibly.

The magical green plant yields a myriad of medicinal purposes. Most medical marijuana patients find a new quality of life, are finally able to work without discomfort, and generally are empowered to resume a more normal lifestyle, pushing past their ailments. Despite years and years of medical marijuana studies, and the general consensus among thousands of medically trained professionals on the safety of marijuana, the federal government feels otherwise about Mary Jane.

Timeline of Marijuana Laws Across The United States

The first real cannabis restriction from the federal government was the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 (in modern formatting the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act). This act placed a hefty tax on the sale of cannabis throughout the US to stomp out the industry. This was largely driven by the head of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, Harry J. Anslinger, who had reported to his superiors a substantial increase in marijuana use across the nation. Drafted by Anslinger and presented by Rep. Robert L. Doughton of NC on April 14, 1937, this was the beginning of the end to the largely booming hemp industry for many years to come. Although the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act was overturned in the 1969 case Leary v. United States, it was repealed the following year.

All forms of marijuana, even medical marijuana prescribed by doctors, were outlawed in the 1970 Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This was the true division of folks on the matter. The counterculture was embracing the soothing plant for its calming and mood-altering effects, and authority figures took every opportunity to bust users. It was a time of absolutely zero tolerance, and furthermore absolutely no medical marijuana programs. Talk about dark times for those who just needed a puff to get by. This remained the same for many decades across the entire nation.

West Coast Medical Marijuana Pioneers Break the Mold

One very brave state, thanks to its citizens and the principles they stand behind, broke down the medical barriers set by our federal government. In 1996 California finally jumped the fence with Proposition 215, the Compassionate Use Act. This law finally enabled doctors across the Golden State to prescribe medical marijuana for any serious medical condition. The act allowed medical marijuana patients to legally possess, grow, and use medical cannabis as recommended by their doctor.

After the Californians spark lit the conceptual flame, it burst into a fire, and started a rampant spread of medical marijuana throughout the country. Several other states followed the highly successful initiative in 1998, and in 2000 Hawaii became the first US State to legalize through an act of state legislature! Fast forward, some open-minded years and more progressive voters getting to the polls, the legalization of medical marijuana had made it to the majority of the United States by 2016.

The Advent of Medical Marijuana in The Sunshine State

Many Floridians used to think that medical marijuana would never be legalized here, but those times are far behind us. Our state has always been conservative on many issues, majorly because of the older population, but progression made its way to the far Southeast. Amendment 2 was approved on Nov. 8th, 2016 by a majority vote. This legalized medical marijuana for HIV, AIDS, PTSD, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, chronic pain from certain qualifying conditions, and multiple sclerosis.

However, Florida medical marijuana laws did not allow smoking forms of medical marijuana. Patients in the Sunshine State were limited to vaping, oils, or THC pills. Perhaps the most liberating point of our medical marijuana timeline was May 25th, 2018, when Leon County Circuit Court Judge Karen Gievers ruled that the state’s ban on smoking medical cannabis was unconstitutional. This was appealed by Governor Rick Scott’s administration, but Governor Ron DeSantis dropped the appeal thereafter. The DeSantis regime asked the legislature to remove the smoking restriction.

The removal of the restriction was signed into law in March of 2019, giving Florida residents the natural right every citizen should have to be able to access compassionate care in many consumption forms. As another installment, The Florida Health Department approved edibles to be prescribed in September, 2020. Liberty rang throughout the Sunshine State, and patients can now medicate how they choose based on their medical conditions!

If you are experiencing discomfort or have a qualifying condition in need of medical marijuana, book your appointment with Canna Doctors of America today. Our state is behind us to get you the compassionate care you need!

Terpenes are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in plants and even some animals. Terpenes are what determine the colors, flavors, and scents of many plant varieties. While almost all vegetation contains terpenes, they are most commonly found in citrus plants, aromatic herbs, and medical marijuana.

In terms of medical cannabis, terpenes are what make up a specific marijuana strain’s scent and skunky aroma. Terpenes are also what give each medical marijuana strain its unique flavors. This is crucial because the smell and taste of individual marijuana strains are what really set them all apart from each other.

Terpenes are found in the trichomes of cannabis plants. The trichomes contain resin glands that produce these wonderful terpenes. Medical marijuana contains more than 100 types of terpenes, all having unique properties and benefits. Despite most terpenes only being present in small trace amounts, they are a dominant factor in a marijuana strain’s unique scent and aromas.

Terpene Benefits Go Much Further Than The Distinctive Odors

Beyond the defined aromas that terpenes yield, they also provide mood-altering effects and therapeutic relief for many symptoms. All terpenes produce unique collections of therapeutic benefits that can be used for so many different needs. Recent research has shown that terpenes can dramatically help with the below list of conditions / areas for medical advancement:
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• Antiviral
• Pain relief
• Antidepressant
• Deep relaxation

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• Antimicrobial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anticancer
• Stress relief

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How Do Terpenes Help With The Effects of Medical Marijuana?

Recent research suggests that all the elements of the marijuana plant work together synergistically – known in the cannabis industry as “The Entourage Effect”. This researched theory suggests that all of the compounds found in medical marijuana work more together rather than independently as thought before. This whole-plant synergy occurs between cannabinoids and the terpenes to provide the medical assistance you need.

In conclusion, marijuana terpenes can definitely boost your health. Feel free to call your physician at Canna Doctors of America to discuss this in further detail. Because of their medical benefits, it’s a crucial thing to discuss what terpenes are best for you with your medical marijuana doctor. Canna Doctors of America is here to help you map this out! They will be able to set you on the right track for compassionate care and relief. Book your initial consultation today.

Canna Doctors of America proudly presents Dr. Christopher L. Van Benschoten M.D., a certified medical marijuana doctor specializing in medical marijuana card evaluations in Saint Petersburg, FL. With a focus on patient care and a thorough understanding of qualifying conditions, Dr. Van Benschoten is committed to helping patients gain access to medical marijuana treatments. In this blog post, we will explore the process of obtaining a medical marijuana card and how Dr. Van Benschoten can assist you with obtaining your medical card.

Understanding the Medical Marijuana Evaluation Process

When you visit Dr. Christopher Van Benschoten, you will undergo an initial physical examination and a detailed discussion of your qualifying conditions. Dr. Van Benschoten has years of experience in assessing and determining whether medical marijuana is an appropriate treatment option for patients. His compassionate approach ensures that you feel comfortable discussing your medical history and current symptoms. All medical marijuana consultations at our offices are 100% confidential, so you can rest easy knowing everything is private.

Issuing Medical Marijuana Certifications in St Petersburg, FL

Once the doctor determines if your condition meets the qualifications for a Florida medical marijuana license, they can provide the next steps for certification. This initial assessment is a vital step in obtaining a medical marijuana card and participating in Florida’s medical marijuana program. Dr. Van Benschoten’s expertise in this field allows him to guide you through the process and ensure that you have the necessary documentation to apply for a medical card.

Applying for a Florida Medical Marijuana Card

After receiving your medical marijuana certification from Dr. Van Benschoten, you will be ready to apply for a medical marijuana card. Once approved, you can use your medical marijuana card to purchase cannabis at any Florida medical dispensary. Dr. Van Benschoten’s thorough evaluations and questionnaire make the application process as smooth as can be. If you have a qualifying condition, chances are that you will be approved at Canna Doctors of America.

Compassionate Care in St Petersburg and Surrounding Area

Dr. Christopher L. Van Benschoten is dedicated to providing compassionate care to his medical marijuana patients. His extensive knowledge of medical marijuana and its therapeutic benefits enables him to assist individuals in finding relief for a wide range of qualifying conditions. By combining his expertise with a genuine desire to help patients improve their quality of life, Dr. Van Benschoten ensures that you receive the best possible care throughout your medical marijuana journey.

Dr. Christopher L. Van Benschoten M.D. is a committed medical marijuana doctor in Saint Petersburg, FL, specializing in medical marijuana card evaluations. With his expertise in determining qualifying conditions and providing the necessary certifications, he plays a pivotal role in helping patients gain access to medical marijuana. There are a plethora of conditions that medical cannabis can help with. If you’re seeking a compassionate and knowledgeable medical marijuana doctor, schedule an appointment with Dr. Van Benschoten at Canna Doctors of America by calling our office at 855-949-2266.

Medical marijuana can provide unparalleled comfort and relief for a myriad of health conditions. In this post we will explore the medical conditions that marijuana can help with, and how those conditions are defined specifically in Florida. To properly introduce medical cannabis on a state level, there were defined sets of qualifying ailments put in place. Compassionate care is here for Sunshine-Staters experiencing certain qualifying conditions.

Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana In Tampa, Florida

As mentioned, Florida’s medicinal cannabis can be used for a wide range of conditions to treat a much larger number of symptoms. Keeping up with industry standards, the Florida Department of Health has been continuously evaluating and eventually will be adding more conditions to this list. Qualifying conditions include, but are not limited to, the following:

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• Anxiety
• Sleep Disorder
• Cancer
• Muscle Spasms (Pain)
• Fibromyalgia
• HIV/AIDS
• Hepatitis
• Parkinson’s Disease

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• Migraines
• Glaucoma
• Arthritis
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Crohn’s Disease
• Epilepsy
• Other Seizure Disorders
• PTSD

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Medical Marijuana Cards in St. Petersburg and Clearwater

In accordance with modern Florida marijuana laws, patients must have a qualifying condition to get prescribed medical marijuana. Conditions that fall under this set can come from a wide range of ailments. From cancer, migraines, anxiety, and PTSD, to other conditions like Fibromyalgia, Crohn’s Disease, and Parkinson’s Disease; medical cannabis offers huge medicinal benefits and safe pain relief. As stated earlier, this is not the definitive list of qualifying conditions for medical cannabis. You also qualify if you have any other debilitating condition of a similar kind, or a condition with the same symptoms as one of the other conditions listed above.

Medical Marijuana Cards Throughout The Tampa Metro Area

There’s no denying it, Florida’s medical marijuana program has dramatically improved the lives of hundreds of thousands of residents. As the state has opened its arms to holistic approaches, locals have been able to count on Canna Doctors of America for alternative medicine to treat many ailments. If you show signs of any disease or condition mentioned, consult with your physician. We can help you get comfortable with compassionate care. There is no reason to go untreated, we’re here to help. Book your appointment today!

Top level information for all medical marijuana users, CBD (formally known as Cannabidiol) is the part of the cannabis plant with low THC (mind altering cannabinoids). There is a lot of talk about whether or not CBD has similar effects to that of its cannabinoid cousin, THC. When comparing the medical benefits of CBD to THC, as a Florida medical marijuana patient, you must evaluate what ailments you are trying to treat.

The long list of medicinal benefits of marijuana is enough to fill many pages, but breaking down the individual components of this magic plant is an interesting botanical journey. THC is typically a more noticeable mind-altering experience, vs. CBD products which have more mellow effects. It all depends on what medical conditions you need to treat with medical marijuana.

CBD Promotes Relaxation, Mental Health, and Reduces Seizure Effects

CBD cannabis products do not provide the “high” that THC products are known for. Despite that clear difference on the psychoactive side, CBD can indeed promote deep relaxation and has been used to reduce depression or anxiety. Individual results for certain products do vary, as we all have unique biological makeup, but you can usually count on CBD products to help with these issues.

One very important medicinal effect of CBD vs THC, is CBD products’ anti-seizure effects. Many studies have shown CBD to reduce seizures in a wide range of treatment-resistant pediatric epilepsy patients. This is not the case with high THC products, which alternatively can be used for an even longer list of ailments.

THC Helps Alleviate Chronic Pain

One key differentiator in THC over CBD is THC’s euphoric effects and chronic pain relief. Although CBD can have variations of these effects, high THC products are usually the go-to for serious back pain, arthritis, and other various chronic pain conditions. For the sake of keeping this article concise, we will not go to the full list of all CBD benefits and THC benefits. The key takeaway is that both CBD and THC each have their own benefits and reasons to stick to each channel for certain conditions.

Choosing the Right Cannabinoid for Your Needs

There are CBD: THC ratio products as well. These will have varying amounts of CBD and high-THC to reap the benefits of both parts of the cannabis plant. The ratio products can be in the form of edibles, smokeable flower, vaporizers, or capsules. There are a number of reasons to leverage this method if you want to get the best of both cannabinoids.

As a medical marijuana card holder in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, or Tampa, you can purchase a wide range of CBD or THC products. The THC products at your Tampa dispensary will be clearly labeled as THC products or potentially a ratio of CBD to THC. An industry term used for CBD products is “low-THC cannabis products”. Here is a brief list of CBD/low-THC cannabis products available in Florida medical dispensaries:

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• CBD Chocolates
• CBD Gummies
• CBD Vaporizers

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• CBD Capsules
• CBD Smokable Flower
• CBD Topical Cream

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To summarize, there is a wide range of symptoms and ailments CBD can be used for, and it’s important to note the benefits of CBD vs THC for certain conditions. Each cannabinoid has its own benefits and uses. If you have any questions about which products to use for your current conditions, consult with your physician at Canna Doctors of America. We are here to help you get the compassionate care you need!

Last year Florida’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use implemented new rules for smoking cannabis dispensation. Prior to this update, a patient’s 2.5 oz prescription for smoking marijuana was allowed to be dispensed over a predefined period of 35 days. Meaning every 35 days the recommendations reset, regardless of how much you purchased that cycle. The new law established a rolling limit, where recommendations don’t reset based on the date for medical card holders.

Understanding the Rolling Limit System

Under the new legislation, Florida Medical Marijuana Patients now have a rolling limit within those 35 days for smoking marijuana. Essentially for every smokable flower purchase you make at a medical dispensary, that amount is deducted from your total recommendations. After 35 days from that purchase, that exact amount of smokable marijuana will be added back to the total recommendations. The medical marijuana industry term for this is that those orders “expire.”

Since the Medical Marijuana Use Registry implemented this new 35-day rolling limit to smokable marijuana, many patients have questioned how much they can get dispensed at any given time. At Canna Doctors of America, we are all about compassionate care, and want to make it easy for our patients to stay on top of their prescribed amounts. We will help assist you so you can find out when your orders expire.

Finding Out When Your Orders Expire

So, how do you find out when your orders expire exactly? Navigating this may seem kind of confusing, but we’re here to help. We understand obtaining medical marijuana in Tampa is time-sensitive for a wide range of symptoms, so we want to help you stay well informed. To find out when your orders expire, follow these steps:

1. Log in to the Medical Marijuana Use Registry site.
2. Navigate to your “Profile” section.
3. Click on “Expand” next to your smoking marijuana category.
4. Locate the hyperlinked text “See Calculation” next to your dispensable amount and click on it.
5. Scroll down to “Dispensation History” to view the record of your dispensed smokable flower and the corresponding expiration dates.

Stay on Top of Your Medical Marijuana Orders

In conclusion, the new 35 day rolling limit on smokable marijuana can seem cloudy because of how different things are now vs the beginning of Florida’s medical card program. In this post we discussed the new process, why it can be confusing, and how to calculate the amount of medical marijuana you can access at any given time. It can be frustrating to navigate, but follow the instructions above and you should get real time calculations. If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at 855-949-2266.

Since Florida medical marijuana laws are signature to the Sunshine State, it’s crucial to do your research before traveling with your medical stash. Nonetheless, as a hard and fast rule, never leave the State of Florida with your medical cannabis products. It is illegal to possess medical marijuana products beyond state boundaries. In this article, Canna Doctors of America will break down the dos and don’ts around medical marijuana possession in Florida. If you currently have a medical card in Tampa, or plan to get one, this post is a high-value read.

The 35-day maximum supply of medical marijuana in smoking form (flower) is 2.5 ounces. You may possess all of this at one time while in public, however the packaging should be sealed as it was when you received it at the dispensary. Doctor exemptions for patients can be made to purchase up to 4 ounces in a 35-day period, but those special allowances are on a case-by-case basis, based on your consumption and need for treatment. You may also possess varying amounts, measured in different increments, of the below medical marijuana products:

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• THC Edibles
• CBD/THC 1:1 Ratio Products
• Marijuana Concentrates
• THC Topical Creams

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• Oral THC Capsules
• Marijuana Tinctures
• THC Suppositories
• Vaporized Products

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All Florida medical marijuana patients have the right to possess all prescribed items en route home from the medical marijuana dispensary. This is the case if you have a valid medical marijuana prescription, and as long as all products are still sealed in tamper-proof containers sold by state approved medical marijuana dispensaries. If you use your medical card to make a purchase in St. Petersburg, Tampa, or Clearwater, keep the packaging sealed to comply with state regulations. Never take your prescription label off of your medical marijuana products.

You can take your legally prescribed amounts to and from places other than your home, however it’s crucial to understand that Florida Medical Marijuana Laws clearly prohibit using your high-THC marijuana products in public or on any modes of public transportation. CBD products do not fall under this, as most low-THC cannabis products can indeed be used in public if the area allows smoking or vaping. The low-THC products are still best to avoid near courthouses, schools, or any government buildings.

As required by law, you must provide your Medical Marijuana Use Registry Card to any law enforcement officers upon request. To play it safe, always carry your medical marijuana card on you wherever you are – regardless of your shopping plans that day. This next part is crucial: you MUST, and this is an absolute MUST, continue with recertifications to meet the standards for possession of medical marijuana in public. If you lapse, but are out in public possessing medical cannabis, you are at risk of legal consequences.

In conclusion, it’s best to ask your medical marijuana doctor when in doubt of what you can possess in public throughout the Tampa Metro Area. You may have a special amount of grams or milligrams allotted for each category, depending on your medical cannabis prescriptions. At Canna-Doctors of America, we don’t want to see any patients have legal issues, so we recommend staying within those bounds. We are here to help. Feel free to contact us today to set up your medical marijuana consultation. Same day appointments are available, Book Now!

The advent of medical marijuana in Florida has stirred a lot of debate, but there’s no arguing the topic now – it’s here to stay! As the world progresses, more and more states are joining the band to help patients seek alternative medicine. Obtaining your Florida medical marijuana card can seem daunting, but the process is quite simple if you follow these steps. This article will discuss the process involved with getting your Florida medical marijuana card, and how long it will take.

Step 1: Book an Appointment With a Medical Marijuana Doctor

Scheduling your appointment with a medical marijuana doctor in Tampa is your first step in the medical card process. Canna Doctors of America makes the process of booking your appointment simple. Just visit our website and click ‘Book Appointment’ in the header section of our site. From there you can choose a location for medical marijuana evaluations in Tampa, St. Pete, or Clearwater. Using our book appointment tool, same day appointments are available! If you want a consultation with a specific doctor, please call us at 855-949-2266 so we can accommodate.

Step 2: Consult With a Florida Licensed Medical Marijuana Doctor

Canna Doctors of America understands how some medical conditions may be sensitive to talk about, but we are here to help you with your ailments. Consult with the doctor at one of our offices and feel free to ask any questions you have about medical cannabis treatments. Every doctor at Canna Doctors of America is trained to give a thorough evaluation of your current medical condition and needs for medical marijuana. If you’re approved, your Canna Doctors of America physician will enter all pertinent info into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry. Note – caregivers must also be added to the registry per Florida mandates. You will need to prove Florida residency for your medical marijuana application.

Step 3: Get Cleared and Registered with the Medical Marijuana Use Registry

This is the best step, once you’re approved and officially registered with FL’s Medical Marijuana Use Registry – the card is sent in the mail! Florida medical marijuana cards typically take 2-3 weeks to arrive from approval. However, that’s just for the physical card. You can actually get approved the same day at your appointment at Canna Doctors of America, and receive a temporary card via email to use in place of the physical card. This email with photo ID will grant you access to medical cannabis in any Florida marijuana dispensary. That’s right, same day service from consultation to entering a dispensary to make a purchase!

So end-to-end, you can get your medical marijuana card in Tampa all within the same 24 hour period. Patients must recertify with a medical marijuana doctor once every 7 months, as medical cards in Florida are only valid for 210 days. If you or someone you love is experiencing chronic back pain, arthritis, anxiety, or any sort of discomfort, alternative treatments are out there. Compassionate care with medical marijuana can be used for a wide range of ailments. Contact Canna Doctors of America to learn more about how we can help you today!