Medical Marijuana Specialist

What is medical marijuana?

Medical marijuana uses cannabis and cannabis-derived products to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of qualifying medical conditions.

Many people think of marijuana as a recreational drug, but it’s been used medicinally for thousands of years. The marijuana plant contains over 100 different compounds called cannabinoids. Cannabinoids affect the body in various ways, from increasing appetite to reducing inflammation and nausea.

What conditions can benefit from medical marijuana?

At CoreSmart, Dr. Friedman uses medical marijuana to treat various conditions, including:

• 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  benefit from medical marijuana if you have a qualifying medical condition, terminal condition, or chronic nonmalignant pain caused by a qualifying medical condition diagnosed by a qualified physician.

How do I receive medical marijuana certification?

To receive medical marijuana certification in Florida, you must first meet with a qualified medical professional like Dr. Friedman to determine if you are a candidate for this treatment.

Before you can enroll in Florida’s medical marijuana program, you must be evaluated by a licensed and certified physician by Florida's Department of Health as a medical marijuana doctor.

During a medical marijuana consultation, Dr. Friedman reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms. He may order lab tests, blood work, and urinalysis.

After the appointment, if it is determined that you are an appropriate candidate for Medical Cannabis, Dr. Friedman will provide you with the number needed to submit your application. You can submit your application online at the Medical Marijuana Use Registry or mail it to the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU).

How is medical marijuana consumed?

There are several ways to consume medical marijuana, including:

• Inhalation: smoking or vaping
• Oral ingestion: oils, tinctures, and edibles
• Topical: patches, salves, and ointments
• Suppositories

After making a diagnosis, Dr. Friedman can make recommendations that align with your needs. At first, it may take some trial and error. For example, you may need to try several types of medical marijuana to see which delivery method works best.

Is medical marijuana safe?

Medical marijuana is usually well-tolerated, but it does cause psychoactive effects. After consuming cannabis, you might experience symptoms like:

• Drowsiness
• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth
• Anxiety
• Slowed reaction time
• Loss of memory
• Apathy

After using medical marijuana, don’t drive or operate other types of machinery.

To see if you’re a candidate for medical marijuana, make an appointment at CoreSmart by calling our office at 561-923-9599 or visiting us online today.