Since Florida’s medical cannabis program began in 2017, just under 250,000 residents have received MMJ licenses
That’s more than twice the amount of MMJ patients that there was this time last year.
The state’s medical cannabis industry is expected to surpass the billion-dollar mark by 2020, with over 100 dispensaries approved for service and over 2,000 qualifying physicians prescribing the versatile plant
Locally, there are now six medical cannabis dispensaries with at least four more on the way in the next year or so
Medical cannabis is here, and it’s here to stay
Local doctors have already begun adjusting to the changing landscape. Dr. Rene Pulido began prescribing cannabis to cancer patients at his clinic, Emed Specialty Group, before deciding to launch a new branch of his clinic dedicated to medical cannabis.
“I’ve been working to help my community for the last ten years and this is one of those rare breakthrough treatments that can improve lives without potential strong side effects,” says Dr. Pulido. “Many medications come with strong side effects or risk of addiction and that makes every prescription a balancing act. Being able to offer this treatment for
All of these changes have come about quite rapidly, and as a result, there are still plenty of questions and misunderstandings about medical cannabis.
Separating fact from fiction isn’t always easy, so we’ve taken a few common questions and concerns about medical cannabis and done our best to help set the record straight.
The “high” effect that most people associate with cannabis can mostly be attributed to a specific cannabinoid known as
Some medical cannabis products do contain up to 90% THC content – these products are generally recommended for patients with chronic pain issues. Most patients gradually build a tolerance to allow them to medicate without feeling foggy. And that’s only one type of product available
Many other products are low on THC but contain a high percentage of cannabidiol, or CBD, which tends to help with anxiety and neurological conditions like epilepsy. CBD doesn’t produce intoxicating effects in the same manner as THC, and it’s even thought to negate some of the psychoactive effects of THC. That’s why “ratio” products, which balance THC and CBD, are popular among many patients.