The use of medical cannabis has seen a significant rise in the state of Florida over the past few years. With over 700,000 registered medical cannabis patients as of 2023, the state continues to be one of the largest markets for medical cannabis in the United States. The ratio of adults using medical cannabis in Florida is growing, driven by factors such as the increasing acceptance of cannabis as a treatment option for various medical conditions, changing attitudes toward cannabis, and the state’s relatively accessible medical cannabis program.
The Growth of Medical Cannabis in Florida
Florida legalized medical cannabis through the passing of Amendment 2 in 2016, which allowed patients with qualifying conditions to access cannabis under the recommendation of a physician. Since then, the number of registered medical cannabis patients has steadily grown, with the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) reporting over 700,000 cardholders as of late 2023. This represents approximately 3.4% of Florida’s total population, a considerable portion of whom are adults seeking relief from conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, and cancer.
According to the Florida Department of Health, the majority of medical cannabis patients are adults over the age of 40, though there is also significant usage among younger adults (aged 25-39), particularly for the treatment of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. The state’s relatively flexible medical cannabis program and the growing number of licensed dispensaries contribute to the accessibility of cannabis for eligible patients.
Source: OMMU Report
Reasons for the High Usage Ratio Among Adults
There are several reasons why Florida has one of the highest ratios of adult medical cannabis users in the country:
- Chronic Pain Management: One of the most common reasons adults turn to medical cannabis is to manage chronic pain. Traditional pharmaceutical treatments for chronic pain, such as opioids, carry the risk of addiction and serious side effects. Medical cannabis offers a safer, non-addictive alternative for pain relief, especially for conditions such as arthritis and multiple sclerosis. According to a study by NORML, pain management accounts for 71% of medical cannabis use nationwide, a trend that is also reflected in Florida.
- Anxiety and PTSD: Florida has a significant population of veterans, many of whom suffer from PTSD and anxiety. Medical cannabis has been shown to reduce anxiety and help veterans manage the symptoms of PTSD, including nightmares and flashbacks. A 2022 report by the American Journal of Psychiatry found that cannabis helped reduce symptoms of severe anxiety in nearly 60% of patients.
- Cancer and Palliative Care: Many cancer patients use medical cannabis to alleviate symptoms related to chemotherapy, such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. In addition, cannabis is increasingly being used in palliative care to improve the quality of life for those with terminal illnesses.
Source: NORML
Medical Cannabis Regulations in Florida
To legally use medical cannabis in Florida, patients must receive a recommendation from a state-licensed physician and apply for a medical marijuana card. The list of qualifying conditions includes chronic pain, cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, Crohn’s disease, and more. Additionally, patients can purchase medical cannabis from one of the state’s numerous licensed dispensaries, which offer a range of products, including flower, tinctures, edibles, and topicals.
The Future of Medical Cannabis in Florida
With continued growth in patient numbers and the expansion of the medical cannabis industry, Florida is expected to remain one of the leading states for medical cannabis usage. The increasing recognition of cannabis as a viable treatment for both physical and mental health conditions has played a major role in this growth, and the number of adults using medical cannabis is expected to rise as more research supports its efficacy.
As the conversation around recreational cannabis continues to gain momentum, Florida could see further shifts in the landscape, potentially leading to broader legalization efforts in the near future.
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