How to Find the Right Medical Marijuana Doctor in Tampa, FL

In 2016 the medical marijuana industry boasts over 6 billion dollars in sales. People are flocking to grab medical marijuana cards and reap the benefits of this vital plant to help them manage health ailments. 

Even with its surge of popularity, there are still plenty of reservations about using medical marijuana, such as how to find a reputable medical marijuana clinic. Many brick-and-mortar stores are subject to opening, but how do you know if these ‘clinics’ are a safe and verified environment? 

Let’s explore some ways you can know for sure that the clinic near you is worth visiting. 

What is Medical Marijuana?

Unlike recreational marijuana, medical marijuana is intended to provide relief to symptoms and medical conditions for patients with qualifying conditions. The cannabis plant is used to help treat or manage health problems ranging from Alzheimer’s, glaucoma, and even symptoms like nausea or pain. 

Marijuana contains hundreds of chemicals called cannabinoids that interact with your body and have different effects. One of the chemicals, tetrahydrocannabinol or THC for short, is the cannabinoid responsible for giving you that “high” feeling. 

Right now medical marijuana is legal in 33 states, while some have heavier regulations. 

You can only obtain medical marijuana certifications from medical cannabis doctors who are certified to submit recommendations to the State of Florida in order for patients to receive their license. Not all doctors favor medical marijuana, so you’ll have to find a marijuana-friendly doctor, and apply for a medical marijuana card. Once you have your recommendation, you can visit a state-licensed dispensary to purchase your medical cannabis.  

How to Find The Best Medical Marijuana Clinic in Florida

Here are some tools and tips you need to know to keep yourself safe, healthy, and put your money in the right place. 

1. Know Your State Laws

You must understand how medical marijuana works in Florida. The Florida Department of Health provides patients with a number of qualifying conditions to access medical marijuana as a form of treatment.

2. Book an Appointment

If you search for “medical marijuana clinic near me” on the internet, be sure to try and select a medical marijuana doctor based on reputation, education, and medical expertise… not just based on price.

3. Get A Medical Marijuana Card

To get a medical marijuana card in Florida, you’ll need to make an appointment with a medical marijuana doctor in Tampa like The Herbal Clinic, MD, have a qualifying condition in order to receive a recommendation from Dr. Mark Hashim and complete the necessary state application. A good medical marijuana doctor should guide you in this process. 

Clinicians that are more prone to holistic medicine such as The Herbal Clinic, MD are more likely to recommend medical marijuana for patients. They have experience treating patients holistically (which means treating the whole person, not just the symptoms of disease) and understand how cannabis works in different situations. At The Herbal Clinic, MD, we are focused on providing patients with natural alternatives that benefit their overall health needs.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Perhaps you’ve never visited a medical marijuana doctor before, and you’re not sure what to expect. Is it exactly like being at a regular doctor’s office, or are there significant differences?

Here are a few things you can look forward to so you can be prepared. 

1. Bring Your Medical Records

You will likely need to bring your medical records with you to your appointment, but the staff will inform you of what records to bring prior. In any case, you’ll need to fill out our new patient intake forms.

2. Questions, Questions, Questions

Even if your doctor reviews all your medical records, be sure to bring all your pressing questions like dosage and ask if they write a plan for treatments. 

At our clinic, Dr. Mark Hashim will also ask you questions concerning your diagnosis and what treatments you’ve used in the past to treat your condition and present you with recommendations based on your specific health needs.

3. Medical Marijuana

Just because you visit a medical marijuana doctor, does not mean you have immediate access to medical marijuana. This is because a recommendation must be submitted to the state and you must complete the state application in order to receive your medical marijuana card in Florida.

Once you obtain your medical marijuana card, you will be able to visit any state-licensed dispensary in Florida to purchase your medical marijuana.

Best Medical Marijuana in Tampa, FL

Finding a medical marijuana clinic is no easy task, but it could be the key to being free of pain and other health problems. 

Are you looking for information on cannabis in Tampa? Our team is here for you! Contact us today to see how we can help.