What Conditions Can Be Treated With Medical Marijuana in Florida?

Medical marijuana is gaining recognition for its potential to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients with various medical conditions. This blog explores how cannabis can be beneficial for specific health issues, highlighting how having your Florida medical marijuana card can provide relief and enhance well-being.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms include flashbacks, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Medical marijuana can help reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and decrease the frequency and severity of nightmares, providing relief for people living with PTSD.
Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Cannabidiol (CBD), a component of cannabis, has shown promise in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures, particularly in treatment-resistant forms of epilepsy such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. Symptoms include tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Medical marijuana, particularly CBD, can help reduce muscle spasms and tremors, improve sleep, and enhance the overall quality of life for Parkinson’s patients.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to symptoms like fatigue, pain, and muscle spasticity. Cannabis can help alleviate muscle spasms, reduce pain, and improve mobility and sleep, making daily life more manageable for those with MS.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes digestive tract inflammation. Symptoms include abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, and weight loss. Medical marijuana treatment may help reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve appetite, contributing to better disease management.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to high intraocular pressure. Cannabis has been shown to reduce intraocular pressure, providing temporary relief and helping to preserve vision in glaucoma patients.
Chronic Muscle Spasms
Chronic muscle spasms can be debilitating and are often associated with conditions like MS and spinal cord injuries. Medical marijuana can help relax muscles, reduce spasticity, and alleviate pain, improving mobility and comfort.
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS can cause a variety of symptoms, including chronic pain, nausea, and weight loss. Medical marijuana can help manage pain, stimulate appetite, and reduce nausea, improving the overall well-being of HIV/AIDS patients.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include muscle weakness, spasticity, and difficulty speaking or swallowing. Medical marijuana can help alleviate pain, reduce muscle spasms, and improve appetite and sleep for ALS patients.
Cancer
Cancer and its treatments, such as chemotherapy, can cause significant pain, nausea, and appetite loss. Medical marijuana can help manage these symptoms, providing pain relief, reducing nausea, and stimulating appetite, which is crucial for maintaining strength and overall health during cancer treatment.
Chronic Nonmalignant Pain
Chronic nonmalignant pain refers to persistent pain not associated with cancer. Conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain fall into this category. Medical marijuana can help reduce pain and inflammation, improve sleep, and enhance the quality of life for individuals suffering from chronic pain.
Conclusion
Florida law recognizes several qualifying medical conditions that can be treated with medical marijuana. For patients with a debilitating condition, including multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and chronic nonmalignant pain, medical marijuana can be an appropriate treatment option. Qualified physicians in Florida can certify patients with a qualifying medical condition, enabling them to obtain a medical marijuana recommendation. This certification process involves a thorough evaluation to determine if medical cannabis is suitable within the usual course of treatment for the patient’s medical conditions.
Whether dealing with a terminal condition diagnosed or chronic pain caused by conditions like spinal stenosis or Alzheimer’s disease, medical marijuana in Florida offers a promising alternative to traditional treatments. By obtaining a physician certification from a qualified physician issuing medical marijuana recommendations, patients can manage their symptoms more effectively. Seasonal Florida residents and patients can benefit from this natural therapy, provided they have a qualifying condition and obtain the necessary ID card.
The potential benefits of medical marijuana use are vast, making it a valuable option for those seeking relief from a range of medical conditions.

Dr. Rothman is a diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He has received multiple special awards and recognitions, including Physician of the Year, from the Pinellas County Medical Association (2014 – 2015) and the President’s Service Award from the Pinellas County Medical Society.
He attended medical school at State University of New York Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York, where he also completed his Obstetrics and Gynecology residency. In addition to practicing medicine, Dr. Rothman’s professional career includes being an Assistant Professor at the University of South Florida and Clinical Instructor at the University of Tampa’s College of Nursing.
Dr. Rothman received his Florida Medical Marijuana Physicians Certification in 2016 and was one of the first recommending physicians through DocMJ in the state and is loved by many of those early patients today.