Can You Get a Medical Card for Arthritis in Florida in 2024?

Arthritis isn’t a singular disease. Instead, the term refers to many different conditions and diseases that cause joint inflammation. Although it’s more common in older adults, it affects people of all ages. Nearly one in four U.S. adults has arthritis, and it’s one of the leading causes of disability.

There are more than 100 types of arthritis. Among the most common are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis, and gout. Symptoms range from mild to severe and often include joint swelling, stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion. For many, symptoms worsen over time. Some forms of arthritis may also affect other organs in the body, such as the heart or lungs.

There is no cure for arthritis. However, there are many ways to manage the symptoms depending on the severity and arthritis type. Typical treatments include medications, exercise, and different forms of physical therapy. In more severe cases, a physician may recommend surgery.

More recently, people are also finding relief from arthritis symptoms with alternative therapies, including cannabis, leading many to wonder if they can use medical marijuana as a treatment option. Well, it depends on the legality of medical cannabis in your state and if arthritis is a qualifying condition. So, can you get a medical marijuana card for arthritis in Florida? Let’s take a closer look.

Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Florida

You may be able to get a medical card in Florida if you have one or more of the following qualifying conditions:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Cancer
• Crohn’s disease
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Terminal conditions
• Any condition in the same class or comparable to the ones listed above
• Persistent chronic pain caused by or originating from a qualifying condition

So, Can You Get a Medical Card for Arthritis in Florida?

Originally, under the 2014 Compassionate Use Act, Florida only allowed low-THC medical cannabis products for patients with epilepsy or cancer. However, thanks to Amendment 2, you may be able to qualify for a medical marijuana card.

Passed in 2016, Amendment 2 expanded Florida’s medical cannabis program. Amendment 2 allows physicians to recommend medical marijuana to patients with debilitating conditions in the same class or comparable to the listed qualifying conditions, and the physician believes the benefits of cannabis outweigh the potential risks. In other words, if your arthritis is as severe as the current qualifying conditions, you may qualify for a medical card.

The Effects of Cannabis on Arthritis

Current research shows that cannabis may benefit individuals with arthritis in many ways.

Pain Relief

Joint pain is one of the most common issues caused by arthritis. In severe cases, any movement can be excruciating, making it difficult for a person to perform even simple daily activities.

There’s a lot of anecdotal evidence of cannabis’ ability to alleviate pain. Studies also show that cannabis may act as an analgesic. Cannabinoids inhibit the release of neurotransmitters, helping to reduce pain perception.

Anti-Inflammatory

Various compounds in the cannabis plant could also help combat inflammation, including inflammation in the joints. One way they may do this is by regulating cytokines — proteins responsible for inflammation in the body. Regulation slows the immune response, reducing inflammation. Less inflammation could also mean less joint pain.

Anxiety and Depression

The severe joint pain caused by arthritis may affect a person’s mental health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults with arthritis are more likely to develop symptoms of anxiety and depression than those who don’t. Less pain may help with mood improvement.

Sleep

Joint pain can lead to difficulty sleeping, which can have a significant impact on your mental and physical health and your quality of life. By reducing your discomfort, cannabis may make it easier for you to get the quality sleep you need. Additionally, some research suggests cannabis may be beneficial for insomnia, helping you to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Schedule an Appointment With a Medical Marijuana Doctor in Florida Today!

For those with arthritis, cannabis could provide an alternative or additional treatment option. But can you get a medical marijuana card in Florida? It may be possible, and Green Health Doc’s medical marijuana doctors can help you determine if you qualify.

At Green Health Docs, you can easily schedule an appointment online or by phone. We offer same-day visits, allowing you to consult with a medical marijuana doctor in Florida in as little as 15 minutes. If you qualify, your doctor will enter you into the Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry within 24 to 48 hours. After that, you’ll receive an email to apply for your Registry ID card.

Ready to find out if you qualify for a medical card for arthritis in Florida? Visit Green Health Docs to schedule your consultation today!

This article has been reviewed by Dr. Anand Dugar, an anesthesiologist, pain medicine physician and the founder of Green Health Docs. Graduating from medical school in 2004 and residency in 2008, Dr. Dugar has been a licensed physician for almost 20 years and has been leading the push for medical cannabis nationwide.