In Florida, individuals under 18 years old can legally access medical cannabis under specific conditions outlined by state law. The Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative (Amendment 2), passed in 2016, permits minors to use medical marijuana if they meet certain criteria and follow a regulated process.

Eligibility and Physician Certification

To qualify, a minor must be diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition, such as epilepsy, cancer, HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or other comparable debilitating conditions. A licensed physician must conduct a physical examination and determine that the medical use of marijuana would likely outweigh the potential health risks for the patient.

Parental Consent and Caregiver Requirements

Parental or legal guardian consent is mandatory for minors seeking medical cannabis treatment. The consenting adult must also serve as the minor’s caregiver, responsible for purchasing and administering the medication. Caregivers must be Florida residents, at least 21 years old, and complete a caregiver certification course.

Restrictions on Smoking Forms

For minors, the use of smokable forms of medical marijuana is highly restricted. A physician may only certify smokable marijuana for a minor if the patient is diagnosed with a terminal condition, and a second physician, who is a board-certified pediatrician, concurs with the determination. Both physicians must document their findings in the patient’s medical record and the Medical Marijuana Use Registry.

Application Process

The process for obtaining a medical marijuana card for a minor involves several steps:

• Consultation with a qualified physician registered with Florida’s Medical Marijuana Use Registry.
• Diagnosis of a qualifying medical condition and determination that medical marijuana is an appropriate treatment.
• Obtaining written consent from a parent or legal guardian.
• Registration of both the minor and the caregiver in the Medical Marijuana Use Registry.
• Issuance of Medical Marijuana Use Registry identification cards for both the patient and the caregiver.

In Review

While minors in Florida can access medical cannabis, the process is strictly regulated to ensure safety and compliance with state laws. Parental involvement, physician oversight, and adherence to specific guidelines are essential components of the legal framework governing medical marijuana use by minors in the state. The intent is to balance access to potentially life-improving treatment while maintaining safeguards for the well-being of younger patients.