Depression can happen to anyone. In our fast-paced, often overwhelming modern way of living, it’s rather common to feel a loss of pleasure or interest in activities you once enjoyed. Experts believe that more than 20% of Americans have been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives.
Dozens, if not hundreds, of medications can be used to treat depression, but often at the cost of several side effects. And you guessed it — that’s where marijuana comes in.
Thanks to the recent shift in public perception, cannabis has entered the spotlight of medical research. While studies are still few and far between, some papers point out that both THC and CBD can have antidepressant-like effects.
If you live in Florida and are interested in getting a medical card to treat depression, you may be wondering, “Can you get a medical card for depression in Florida?”
Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Florida
Permanent or seasonal Florida residents can apply to get a medical card at any point in their lives, and, luckily, the process is rather simple. First of all, you’ll have to be diagnosed with one of the following qualifying medical conditions by a licensed physician:
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Crohn’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
You may have noticed that depression (or any other mental health condition) is not specified on this list. Luckily, the Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) also states that several non-specified conditions may also qualify for medical cards.
The OMMU claims that any condition similar or comparable to those listed may also qualify for a medical card. Similarly, any pain stemming from these qualifying conditions may also allow for medical marijuana.
Once you’ve been diagnosed with one of these conditions, your qualified physician may recommend marijuana as a possible treatment. If you agree, they’ll then enter you into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry where you’ll be able to get your Registry Identification Card.
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So… Can You Get a Medical Card for Depression in Florida?
Unfortunately, depression is not listed as a qualifying medical condition in Florida. However, certain special circumstances may allow you to still get a medical card.
If your depression is severe enough or interferes too much with your daily life, it may be considered to be similar to or comparable to qualifying conditions. This will allow you to fit into the exceptions mentioned on the OMMU’s website.
As such, some cases of depression may indeed qualify for medical cards.
However, it’s important to manage your expectations. The final decision will be in the hands of your qualified physician, who will evaluate the specific circumstances of your case. The same applies to other mental health conditions such as insomnia and anxiety.
If you think medical marijuana may be able to help you in managing your depression, make sure to check with a doctor. A qualified professional will be able to fill you in on all the details and tell you whether or not you qualify for a medical card.
The Effects of Cannabis on Depression
The recent wave of legalization of medical marijuana has allowed researchers to closely examine the association between cannabis and depression. Although research is still in its early stages, there have been some promising results — especially when it comes to short-term treatments.
For example, this research paper claims that cannabis significantly reduced ratings of depression, anxiety, and stress. This is particularly true when it comes to low-THC and high-CBD products, which showed important reductions in depression symptoms.
A similar report by the University of Washington arrived at the same conclusion but warns that the improvement in symptoms largely depends on the doses. The authors state that the antidepressant-like effects of cannabis are related to the stress and reward networks in the brain.
However, both studies also claim that marijuana is only viable as a short-term treatment when it comes to depression. Long-term cannabis treatments seem to worsen depression over time, making it a double-edged sword in many cases.
If you’re having doubts about the link between marijuana and depression, make sure to check with a doctor!
Schedule an Appointment with a Medical Marijuana Doctor in Florida Today!
While depression isn’t listed as a qualifying medical condition by the OMMU, there still may be hope in some cases. At Green Health Docs, we’ve made it our mission to help you get your FL medical card, while also clearing any possible doubts you may have.
If you believe your depression may warrant a medical marijuana card in Florida, contact Green Health Docs today!
This article has been reviewed by Dr. Anand Dugar, an anesthesiologist, pain medicine physician and the founder of Green Health Docs. Graduating from medical school in 2004 and residency in 2008, Dr. Dugar has been a licensed physician for almost 20 years and has been leading the push for medical cannabis nationwide.