
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card – New Patients
Are you suffering from a medical condition and think you may qualify for a medical marijuana card in Florida? At Thrive Alternative Medicine, our job is to guide Panhandle residents (including seasonal residents) through navigating the medical marijuana laws, assist you in the process of obtaining your Medical Marijuana Card and answer any questions you have about the health benefits of medical marijuana. By explaining the step-by-step process of getting a medical marijuana card, and the registration process, our team will provide the information you need to become a new medical marijuana patient.
If you’ve never had a Florida medical marijuana card and believe you might have a qualifying condition, schedule an appointment today with a Thrive marijuana doctor in Panama City Beach and see if you qualify. Even if you’ve previously seen a marijuana doctor, we could also help you as a transfer patient. New patients, transfer patients, and renewing patients can schedule an appointment online or by calling 850-655-7090.
Becoming a Medical Marijuana Patient
Here is a step-by-step guide to becoming a new medical marijuana patient in Northwest Florida and surrounding areas:
- Meet with our Qualified Medical Marijuana Doctor: Start by scheduling a medical marijuana card evaluation appointment – book online here or call our office directly at 850-655-7090. At this appointment, you will meet with our doctor to discuss your medical history, conditions, and to determine if a medical marijuana card is a good choice for you. If approved, our doctors may be able to offer you same-day access to products, helping you move forward in the process without delay.
- Patient Recommendation: Upon determining you to be a good candidate for medical marijuana, we will give you a personalized recommendation. Your recommendation will include your qualifying condition, as well as authorized products and appropriate delivery methods. This is an important step in the recommendation process, and our Thrive team can ensure that you understand all the benefits and fully answer any questions you may have. We’re here to help you find relief!
- Register with Florida’s Medical Marijuana Use Registry*: After the recommendation is made, your qualified doctor will enter your information into the Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR).
- Apply for your Medical Marijuana Use Registry Identification Card**: After seeing the doctor, our team will walk you through obtaining a Florida Medical Marijuana Card. The State of Florida charges $75 and this is a separate charge you will pay directly to the Florida Department of Health.
- Receive approved Identification Card: The State of Florida will mail the Medical Marijuana Identification card directly to you within a few weeks. However, some of our patients may be able to buy products at a dispensary the same day they see our doctor. There are some caveats to same day access to products, but our goal is for you to have relief when you need it.
Facts About Medical Marijuana
- Florida law provides the criteria and qualifying medical conditions for medical marijuana.
- Medical marijuana, also known as medical cannabis, utilizes the therapeutic properties of the cannabis plant to provide relief for many conditions (including chronic pain, inflammation, PTSD, Crohn’s Disease, and other medical conditions.)
- Medical marijuana comes in many forms, including flowers (the bud or plant) which is smoked, concentrates, tinctures, suppositories, and edibles. Each form has its own benefits and Thrive staff believes in educating patients every step of the way.
Next Steps
If you think medical marijuana might be helpful for you, start by calling our qualified medical marijuana team at Thrive. We’re here to guide you through the process and answer your questions. We’re also here to be sure you understand the laws and statutes regarding Florida’s medical cannabis program so you can safely get the relief you need. Follow the steps above to become a registered medical marijuana patient and get access to the relief you need.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Whether it’s counseling with Suzanne Clark or a medical marijuana card certification exam by Dr. Loughlin, we’re here to help people find relief and thrive! Call us at 850-655-7090, stop by our Panama City Beach office (Monday through Saturday), or schedule one of our services below.

Medical Marijuana Doctor
- Initial Certification | $249
- Transfer Patients | $99
- Recertification | $99
Mental Health Counselor
- $150/hour
