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

Photo by Tara Winstead

Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Florida

In the state of Florida, you can get a medical marijuana card as long as you’re at least 18 years old and have been diagnosed with one of several medical conditions. However, the state of Florida requires that you must have a consultation with a state-certified cannabis doctor in order to obtain a medical marijuana card. The cannabis doctor must issue a physician certification stating that you’re living with an eligible medical condition. The eligible conditions in Florida are:

• Cancer
• HIV/AIDS
• Glaucoma
• Epilepsy
• Chron’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

You may also be eligible for a medical marijuana card if you have chronic pain originating from one of the above diseases or disorders, a terminal condition, or a comparable condition. You also need to be a resident of the state of Florida on either a full-time or seasonal basis to qualify.

Once you’ve obtained a medical marijuana card, you can purchase up to a 210-day supply of medical marijuana per clinic visit. Your card gives you access to medical marijuana in all the most common forms, including inhalants, topicals, edibles, cannabis oils, and more.

So Can You Get a Medical Card for ADHD in Florida?

Yes, you can get a medical card for ADHD in Florida. As mentioned above, Florida law permits cannabis physicians to prescribe marijuana for the conditions listed and comparable conditions. Attention-deficient hyperactivity disorder is considered to be in the same class as conditions like anxiety and PTSD, which means that a physician could legally issue a medical marijuana prescription for ADHD.

After a cannabis physician issues a certification for medical marijuana, you must apply for a card with the state. A physical medical marijuana card is required to visit a medical marijuana clinic and purchase prescription marijuana.

How Cannabis Affects ADHD

ADHD is a behavioral condition with a range of symptoms that are generally classified in one of two ways:

• Hyperactivity and/or impulsiveness: Symptoms that fall under this category include the inability to sit still, constant fidgeting, the inability to complete tasks, impulsive actions, and more. There have been studies that have linked marijuana use with a positive impact on ADHD symptoms, and others.
• Inattentiveness or difficulty concentrating: Symptoms in this category include things like the inability to listen to or execute instructions, carelessness, having a limited attention span, forgetfulness, the inability to remain organized, and more.

Although anyone can develop ADHD, it is more common in young boys than girls, and usually comes on during childhood. As a person ages, the condition can lead to related conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and other behavioral conditions like Tourette’s. Autism, dyspraxia, epilepsy, oppositional defiance disorder, and other conduct disorders are all possible outcomes of ADHD as children get older.

In adults, ADHD symptoms can include, among other symptoms:

• Mood swings
• Edginess
• Restlessness
• Impatience
• Inability to focus
• Carelessness

At the end of the day, more research is needed before the links between cannabis use and ADHD can be proven and assessed conclusively. That said, the current medical opinion is that marijuana use is beneficial in relieving ADHD symptoms in the short term.

Photo by Tara Winstead

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

If you live in Florida and you’re thinking of treating ADHD or another medical condition with medical marijuana, the first step is to be examined by a medical marijuana doctor certified by the state. Green Health Docs can help with that. It’s time to join the thousands of patients who have turned to Green Health Docs for help treating their medical conditions with medical marijuana.

Green Health Docs is committed to helping patients regain control of their lives and discover the healing powers of medical marijuana. We’re committed to helping patients access medical marijuana safely and easily, all over the country. If you’re interested in getting a medical marijuana card in Florida, schedule an appointment with Green Health Docs today. We can help you apply for your card, and locate dispensaries near you.

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.