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

With a state-issued medical card, you can legally obtain medical marijuana to help improve your ALS symptoms. Whether you’re a permanent or seasonal resident, you may wonder, “Can you get a medical card for ALS in Florida?”

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive nervous system disease that affects the nerve cells that make muscles work, weakening them and reducing their functionality. Patients with ALS typically have difficulty talking, swallowing, and moving.

In recent years, there’s been a growing interest in finding more innovative and safer therapeutic approaches for treating ALS. As a result, an increasing number of ALS patients are turning to medical marijuana, which has the potential to significantly improve their quality of life.

Keep reading to learn more about acquiring a medical card for ALS in Florida.

Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Florida

Florida patients must be diagnosed with at least one of the following qualifying conditions to be eligible for a Medical Marijuana Use Registry Identification Card:

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

In addition to these specific conditions, you may also qualify for a medical marijuana card if any of the following applies:

• A terminal condition diagnosed by a licensed physician
• Medical conditions of the same kind or class as — or comparable to — those listed
• Chronic pain caused by a qualifying medical condition — or originating from a qualifying medical condition that persists beyond the usual course of that condition

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

The simple answer to “Can you get a medical card for ALS in Florida?” is yes. ALS is listed as a qualifying condition, and certified patients can legally obtain medical marijuana in Florida to treat their symptoms.

Full-time or seasonal Florida residents must complete the following steps to register for a medical card in Florida:

1. Schedule an appointment with a licensed physician. According to Florida law, patients must be examined by a qualified physician with the required training and seen multiple times per year to keep an active Florida Medical Marijuana certification.
2. Complete your appointment. A physician must diagnose you with a qualifying condition based on an examination and medical history. If approved, the physician will add your details to the Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR).
3. Obtain your Florida medical marijuana card. Once registered with the MMUR, you’ll receive an email prompting you to complete your application for the medical card. Upon approval, you’ll typically receive your card within a few weeks, allowing you to purchase medical weed from any state-approved dispensary in Florida.

The Effects of Cannabis on ALS

ALS damages the nerve cells responsible for the communication, or signals, between a patient’s brain and muscles. And while there’s no cure, medical marijuana may help slow the progression of the disease and reduce overall discomfort.

More specifically, the active ingredients in cannabis — cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — act as antioxidants and as anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agents to potentially slow or prevent further damage to nerve cells in people with ALS.

CBD and THC are cannabinoids that bind with cannabinoid receptor proteins CB1 and CB2 in the body’s endocannabinoid system. They regulate neurodevelopmental activities and improve inflammation and immune cell function. When consumed, cannabinoids can:

• Inhibit the release of excess glutamate by nerve cells. In excess, this neurotransmitter can cause nerve cell damage or excitotoxicity.
• Slow further tissue damage. Cannabinoids help regulate immune cells and the production of inflammatory proteins through the CB2 receptors.
• Prevent excitotoxicity. In individuals with ALS, this is believed to exacerbate nerve cell damage and increase neurodegeneration.
• Relieve common symptoms. One observational study of ALS patients found that consuming cannabis may relieve appetite loss, depression, pain, and drooling.

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

One of the most common questions we receive is, “Can you get a medical card for ALS in Florida?” Our goal at Green Health Docs is to help patients like you obtain your FL medical card and experience the powerful benefits of medical marijuana.

We have a broad network of medical marijuana doctors who offer affordable medical cards and renewals in person or via telemedicine, depending on your state of residence. We’ll help you get started in three easy steps:

1. Book an appointment with one of our qualified doctors.
2. Complete an evaluation.
3. Get your card and find relief from your ALS symptoms within a few short weeks.

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.