Medical marijuana has gained significant popularity as a viable treatment option for various medical conditions. But you can be wondering about the cost of medical marijuana in Florida. In this article, we’ll explore the expenses involved, including:
- the cost of annual doctor’s examinations
- the medical card itself
- renewal costs
- ongoing expenses of purchasing marijuana from dispensaries
Initial and Yearly Doctor’s Examinations
To access medical marijuana in Florida, the first step is to consult a qualified physician registered with the state’s Medical Marijuana Use Registry.
The costs of these consultations can vary depending on the physician and your insurance coverage. Additionally, follow-up visits are mandated by the state of Florida every seven months, further adding to your expenses. In 2022, doctor appointments ranged from $99 to $350, with an average cost of $149.
Please remember to take inflation into account when considering the cost of medical marijuana in Florida as you read all our information below.
Obtaining and Renewing Your Medical Marijuana Use Registry Identification Card in Florida
Once your physician certifies that you qualify for medical marijuana use, the next step is to apply for and obtain a Medical Marijuana Use Registry Identification Card from the Florida Department of Health. This card is essential for legally accessing medical marijuana in the state.
The initial cost of the medical card is currently $75, payable to the Florida Department of Health. This fee covers the processing of your application and the issuance of the card, which remains valid for one year. Your card must be renewed annually to maintain legal access to medical marijuana, and the renewal process incurs an additional $75 fee.
Medical Marijuana Cost at Dispensaries
Once you have your medical card, a world of medical marijuana products awaits you at licensed dispensaries in Florida. Medical marijuana is available in various forms, such as flowers, concentrates, edibles, and vape cartridges.
The cost of medical marijuana in Florida can vary due to several factors, including the strain, potency, and form in which the products are sold.
When calculating how much medical marijuana will cost you in Florida, remember your monthly expenses can fluctuate significantly based on the amount, method of consumption, and frequency of use.
Product prices start at around $25, but the average patient in Florida typically spends between $100 to $200 per month on medical marijuana.
Please bear in mind these are recent average examples only, to help you gauge likely expense. Sometimes your experience will differ widely for various reasons.
However, here are some examples of what you can expect when it comes to the average costs for the different forms of medical marijuana:
- Flowers: The prices range from 6$/g for budget flowers to $9/g for medium-grade and $11/g for top-shelf
- Concentrates are more expensive, with extracts ranging from $65 to $75 per gram
- Vape cartridges are priced at $45-55 per .5g or $75-95 per gram
- Edibles are priced at ~$25 per package
Unveiling the Hidden Costs of Medical Marijuana in Florida
When it comes to the cost of medical marijuana in Florida, the bad news is that your expenses extend well beyond doctor appointments, card fees, and the purchase of the products!
Apart from the actual cost of the products, certain dispensaries may require extra fees such as consultation fees, product packaging fees, or delivery fees.
Moreover, medical marijuana purchases in Florida are subject to state and local sales tax and differ based on your location. Keep in mind that taxes can accumulate, particularly if you’re a frequent user of medical marijuana.
Saving Money on the Cost of Medical Marijuana in Florida
When buying medical marijuana in Florida, it’s worth looking into discounts or promotions that dispensaries may offer and any other ways you can save money on medical marijuana purchases.
Make sure to shop around and compare prices at different dispensaries before purchasing. Additionally, many dispensaries offer discounts to certain groups, such as seniors, veterans, and pediatric patients – or by referring a friend.
Common discounts you may find include:
- Seniors: 10% off for patients 55+
- Pediatric patients: 25% off for patients under 18 years of age
- Veterans: 20% off
- Patient referral: $25 off your next purchase when you refer a friend
Is it Worth it? Weighing Benefits of Medical Marijuana in Florida
The expenses associated with medical marijuana treatment can accumulate to several hundred dollars per year. Is the cost of medical marijuana in Florida worth the investment?
The answer depends on several factors, including
- the severity of your medical condition,
- the effectiveness of medical marijuana as a treatment, and
- your financial situation.
While these costs may seem significant, many patients, especially those with long-term pain or chronic conditions, find the investment worthwhile. You may well find you’re one of those.
One important point to consider when adding up the cost of medical marijuana in Florida is that medical marijuana not only
- offers relief from symptoms and
- improves your quality of life, but (crucially)
- provides you with a safer alternative than unsupervised recreational use.
Additionally, considering the potential long-term cost savings and reduced reliance on other treatments, medical marijuana can be a cost-effective and holistic approach to managing chronic conditions.
Safety of Medical Marijuana Use
Medical marijuana use under the supervision of a qualified physician provides certain advantages over unsupervised recreational use, as we just implied.
That’s because medical marijuana undergoes strict quality control measures, ensuring its potency and safety for consumption.
Moreover, medical professionals guide proper dosage and potential drug interactions. This reduces the risks associated with self-medication.
Does Insurance Cover Medical Marijuana Use?
Insurance companies in Florida are not required to cover medical marijuana, and most do not. However, there might be exceptions, so it’s best to check with your insurance provider to determine if they cover medical marijuana use for the condition you want to treat.
How Do I Pay for Medical marijuana?
Medical marijuana must be purchased with cash or a CanPay card at dispensaries in Florida, as credit cards are not currently accepted due to federal regulations.
Navigating the Cost of Medical Marijuana in Florida with Emerald Medical
When budgeting for medical marijuana expenses in Florida, we advise you to consider all the additional costs involved carefully.
However, if you’re exploring medical marijuana as a treatment option, and have considered the cost of medical marijuana in Florida, why not take your first steps towards health and wellness? At Emerald Medical, we make it an easy and painless process for you:
- Schedule your appointment
- Get a comprehensive plan that’s customized to your needs
- Enjoy the relief you deserve and reach your health and wellness goals with the help of medical cannabis.
What’s not to like? Call us today and let’s talk!