Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
More than one billion people across the globe suffer from migraine, making it one of the most common health conditions and neurological diseases in the world. Migraine headaches — ranging from acute to severe throbbing pain — typically happen without warning and often come with nausea, confusion, blurred vision, mood changes, fatigue, and increased sensitivity to light, sound, or noise.
If you’re experiencing migraines, you may choose to forego prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications and treat them with medical marijuana, as it may significantly improve your migraine symptoms. A medical marijuana card allows you to legally obtain, possess, or cultivate medical marijuana to help alleviate symptoms associated with certain health conditions. But can you get a medical card for migraines in Florida?
A state-issued medical cannabis card, or medical marijuana card, allows patients with a qualifying health condition to use marijuana for medicinal purposes. Keep reading to learn more about acquiring a medical marijuana card for migraines in Florida.
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Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Florida
Florida recognizes the following qualifying conditions for eligibility to obtain a Medical Marijuana Use Registry Identification Card:
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Crohn’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
In addition to these specific conditions, you may also qualify for a medical marijuana card if any of the following applies:
- A terminal condition diagnosed by a licensed physician
- Medical conditions of the same kind or class as or comparable to those listed
- Chronic pain caused by a qualifying medical condition or originating from a qualifying medical condition that persists beyond the usual course of that qualifying medical condition
So Can You Get a Medical Card for Migraines in Florida?
The question remains: Can you get a medical card for migraines in Florida? Yes, but with a few stipulations.
Although “migraine” isn’t listed explicitly as a qualifying condition, it may fall under the following specification: “Medical conditions of the same kind or class as or comparable to the others listed.” Typically, a licensed physician will certify patients whose migraines are debilitating (interfering with their daily life), persistent despite previous treatments, and treatable with medical marijuana without major health risks.
To register for a medical marijuana card in Florida, you must complete the following steps:
- Schedule an appointment with a licensed physician. According to Florida law, patients must be examined by a qualified physician who has completed the required training and must be seen 2–3 times per year to keep an active Florida Medical Marijuana certification.
- Complete your appointment. A physician must diagnose you with a qualifying condition based on an examination and your medical history. In this case, the physician will determine if the severity of your migraines is comparable to the medical conditions that dictate eligibility. If approved, the physician will add your details to the Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR).
- Obtain your Florida medical marijuana card. Once registered with the MMUR, you’ll receive an email prompting you to complete your application for the medical card. If approved, you’ll receive your card within 2–3 weeks, allowing you to purchase medical weed from any state-approved dispensary in Florida.
The Effects of Cannabis on Migraines
A recent study found that medical cannabis is 51% more effective in reducing migraines than non-cannabis products. The study also described the drug as an effective treatment for relieving symptoms associated with migraine headaches, providing the following benefits:
- Lower headache frequency
- Improved headache pain
- Reduced migraine-related nausea and vomiting
- Reduced use of prescription drugs, primarily opioids
- Improved anxiety, sleep, and mood
So how does it work? The active ingredients in medical cannabis — cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — are known as cannabinoids. When consuming weed, these cannabinoids may bind with cannabinoid receptors in the body, which are responsible for pain sensation, to help alleviate migraine pain.
Marijuana can regulate the migraine-associated pain pathway, or trigeminovascular pathway, via the cannabinoid receptors, decreasing the number of migraines patients experience regularly. It also leads to improvement in common comorbidities like nausea, anxiety, and poor sleep.
Schedule an Appointment with a Medical Marijuana Doctor in Florida Today!
If you’re still wondering, “Can you get a medical card for migraines in Florida?” Our team at Green Health Docs is available to help you obtain your FL medical card in three simple steps!
We have a broad network of medical marijuana doctors who offer affordable medical cards and renewals in person or via telemedicine in eligible states. To get started, book an appointment with one of our qualified doctors, complete an evaluation, and get your card to start treating your migraines with medical marijuana within a few short weeks.
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.