Crohn's Disease and a Florida Medical Marijuana Card
Yes. Crohn's disease is listed at § 381.986(2)(h) of Florida's medical marijuana law. A Florida qualified physician must examine you in person and confirm the diagnosis, usually from gastroenterology records such as colonoscopy and pathology reports. Ulcerative colitis is not named and is judged case by case.
What does Florida law say about Crohn's disease?
"Crohn's disease" is paragraph (h) in the statute's list:
Florida law lists: cancer; epilepsy; glaucoma; positive HIV status; AIDS; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); ALS; Crohn's disease; Parkinson's disease; multiple sclerosis; conditions of the same kind or class as or comparable to those; a terminal condition diagnosed by a physician other than the certifying physician; and chronic nonmalignant pain.
What is Crohn's disease?
MedlinePlus describes Crohn's disease as a chronic, long-lasting disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. It is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Which GI records should I bring?
- Gastroenterologist notes naming Crohn's disease
- Colonoscopy or endoscopy reports
- Biopsy pathology reports
- CT or MR enterography and other imaging reports
- Records of any bowel surgery or hospital stays
- Your current medication list, including biologics or steroids
What about ulcerative colitis or IBS?
Neither is named in the statute. Ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome can only be considered under the comparable-conditions paragraph. A condition not named in the law can qualify if the physician judges it to be of the same kind or class as, or comparable to, the listed conditions. The physician must send supporting documentation to the state medical board within 14 days.
That is a medical judgment made for each patient, and the answer may be no.
How should I prepare for the visit?
Ask your gastroenterologist's office for your latest colonoscopy report, biopsy pathology and a recent visit note. If you have had surgery, bring the operative report or discharge summary.
Write down all your medicines, including injections or infusions and how often you get them. If you are in a flare, tell the office when you book so timing can work around it.
What happens at the first visit?
Before an initial certification, the physician must do an in-person physical exam, meaning the physician is physically in the same room as the patient.
The physician reviews your GI history, checks the state prescription monitoring database and the Registry, and goes over the informed consent form, including possible drug interactions with your current medicines.
How often do I need re-evaluation?
at least once every 30 weeks, before each new certification. Telehealth is allowed only for renewals: a physician who already certified the patient after an in-person physical exam may do that patient's later exams and re-evaluations by telehealth.
Common questions.
Do I need a recent colonoscopy?
Florida law does not require a specific test or date. The physician needs records that clearly document the diagnosis, and colonoscopy and pathology reports are the most common way to show it.
My Crohn's is in remission. Can I still be evaluated?
Yes. The statute lists Crohn's disease without a severity requirement. The physician confirms the diagnosis and makes the other determinations the law requires based on your situation.
Will certification affect my biologic or other GI medicines?
Do not change prescribed medicines on your own. Keep your gastroenterologist informed so they have a complete picture of your care.
Is microscopic colitis the same as Crohn's?
No. It is a different type of IBD and is not named in the statute. The physician would have to evaluate it under the comparable-conditions rule, case by case.
Can a teenager with Crohn's disease be certified?
Yes, with Florida's added safeguards for patients under 18. A second physician must agree, a parent or guardian must consent in writing, and a registered caregiver handles purchases.
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