New Limits Imposed for Medical Cannabis in Florida

Suggestions to change the maximum amount of cannabis that medical cardholders can purchase in Florida are not new. In fact, it has been discussed by the DOH and OMMU for more than two years. The new “Emergency Orders” just took effect on August 29, 2022. The implementation of the new limits has caused concern for Florida patients. Many are wondering how the new Emergency Rule will change what they can purchase at Florida dispensaries. And whether they will have problems accessing enough cannabis to cope with their symptoms. Emergency Rule 64ER22-8 may cause real hardship for patients who have chronic or intractable conditions. Here are the facts and important steps you can take to request an exception.  

When did the new medical cannabis supply limits take effect?

Emergency Rule 64ER22-8 took effect Monday, August 29, 2022. The Florida OMMU and Department of Health have provided guidance to dispensaries in order to calculate the daily dose amounts for a 70-day period.

If you have received a new medical recommendation on or after August 29, 2022, you will be subject to the new maximum purchase limits.  But as a patient, you have the right to apply for an exception.

Will the new purchase limits for medical cannabis in Florida apply to me?

If you are a patient on the Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR), the new changes apply to you.  And it is important to understand the new restrictions before your next visit to a local dispensary.

The amount of cannabis you can purchase at a Florida dispensary will stay the same unless you modify your current physician’s recommendation. Or until the renewal of your Florida medical card.

Any changes to your current physician recommendation will automatically apply the new restricted limits outlined in Emergency Rule 64ER22-8 effective immediately, according to the Department of Health (DOH) and the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU).

How much medical cannabis can I purchase now in Florida?

Smokable flower patient products are limited to 2.5 ounces for 35 days. At the discretion of the physician and Florida OMMU, some patients may be considered and authorized for an additional maximum amount of medical cannabis during a 35-day period. 

Other routes or types of medical cannabis have new maximum purchase restrictions.  We’ve created this quick reference guide to help our patients:

What happens if I start to run out of medical cannabis in Florida?

For some patients, the amount of cannabis required to help with symptom management will vary. Patients cannot predict when they will experience pain, muscle spasms, or other debilitating symptoms.

Patients who realize they may require a greater quantity of medical cannabis to manage symptoms, should first, check their orders in their Medical Marijuana Registry profile to see when their mgs will become available again.

Patients who see that their mgs will not be available within the next few days, should follow these steps to request an adjustment to their recommendation:

• Complete a “Change Order Request” on the DocMJ website.

• Be sure to add details of your current symptoms and the quantity of medical cannabis used to manage your symptoms.

If your physician agrees that you may require more than the new limitations allow, your doctor will complete the “Request for Exception” form. The application is forwarded to The Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) to approve or deny.

Scheduling an Appointment With DocMJ

Are you are a current patient who received your last physician referral for medical cannabis with DocMJ? We can help! Patients requesting an increase in cannabis flower quantities or over 350 mg of any other type of medical cannabis will need to schedule an appointment with their recommending physician.

Patients not requiring more than 350 mg should follow the following steps:

1. Visit DocMJ.com.
2. Click on “Patient Resources”.
3. Select “Patient Portal”.
4. Scroll down to “Order Request”.
5. Choose “Change Order Request Form”.

Carefully complete the “Recommendation Change Request Form”. Your physician will complete this form and also get your “Request for Exception” form completed and into the MMUR within 1 week.

If you are applying for your Florida medical card for the first time or transferring from another recommending physician, please contact us for assistance.  We can schedule an appointment for you, and answer any questions you have about completing a Request for Exception with one of our certified physicians.

How will I know if my exception has been approved?

The OMMU stated that a decision regarding Exception Applications will be made within 14 business days. After which time both the recommending physician and the patient will be emailed, according to the OMMU. However, patients can also check the MMUR (patient portal) on the Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry to find out whether the Exception Application has been approved.

If you have any questions regarding the status of your application or comments regarding Emergency Rule 64ER22-8 please contact the Florida OMMU.

Contact Florida OMMU

Call: (850) 245-4657 (option #1)

Fax: (850) 487-7046

Email: [email protected]

Lori Ann Reese

I am a Chief Marketing Officer at DocMJ, a leading provider of medical cannabis health services to qualified patients. I have over 20 years of experience in healthcare marketing and communications, with a proven track record of delivering impactful and compliant campaigns that educate, inform, and empower patients to make better choices for their health and wellness.