Edibles are a popular form of medical marijuana that allows you to reap the benefits of cannabis without having to smoke or vape. But, are medical marijuana edibles permitted under Florida law? Keep reading to find out. 

Are Medical Marijuana Edibles Available in Florida?

The simple answer to this question is yes: Edibles are legal under Florida state law for patients with a valid medical marijuana card. Smoking medical cannabis became legal in Florida in 2019, while edible medical cannabis became legal in the summer of 2020. Like other forms of cannabis, edibles are illegal for recreational use in Florida. 

Florida’s law outlines specific regulations for medical marijuana edibles, including:

• Edibles may only be produced by licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs) at facilities approved by Florida’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU). 
• Edibles can’t look like or be easily mistaken for commercially-available candy or feature graphics or images besides the OMMU’s universal symbol for products containing THC. 
• Edibles may be sold in single-serve or multi-serving packages, with one dose containing no more than 10 milligrams of THC. 
• Edibles must have a printed expiration date and can’t require refrigeration (even after opening).

Are Medical Marijuana Edibles Right For You?

Medical marijuana edibles can provide the same benefits for chronic pain, neurological pain, poor appetite, and insomnia as other forms of cannabis. However, opting for edibles can also provide unique benefits, including:

• Greater potency

Since edibles pass through the digestive system, they’re processed in a way that increases the THC’s potency. 

• Longer-lasting effects

Edibles require more time to take effect than smoking or vaping marijuana. But, as a result, they produce stronger, longer-lasting effects. In fact, the effects of medical marijuana edibles typically last for six to eight hours. 

• No respiratory complications

Though smoking medical marijuana presents a far lower risk of respiratory problems than smoking tobacco, it may still present the risk of airway inflammation and related issues. By opting for edibles, you can entirely avoid the risk of respiratory complications. 

The experts at Tetra Holistic Care can help determine if medical marijuana edibles may benefit your treatment plan. Reach out to us today to request an appointment!

Medical cannabis is legal in Florida as a treatment option for conditions like PTSD, epilepsy, and cancer. Patients who may benefit from medical cannabis but haven’t before tried it often have many questions about how it works and what to expect. One common question among patients is how long medical marijuana typically takes to work.

In this article, we’ll answer this question about the most common forms of medical cannabis. 

Different Forms of Medical Marijuana

Medical marijuana comes in many different forms. The time it takes for the effects of cannabis to kick in can vary depending on the form. 

The most common ways to take medical marijuana include:

• Smoking flower
• Ingesting an edible product
• Inhaling a vaporized mist
• Applying a topical cream, lotion, or spray
• Applying a few drops of a cannabis tincture under your tongue 

How Long Does Medical Marijuana Take To Work?

People who smoke or vape to reap the benefits of medical marijuana are likely to feel its effects after just a few minutes. This is a fast delivery system that makes it easier to find the right dosage. 

Edible cannabis products take a bit longer to kick in. Since this form of medical cannabis must pass through your digestive system, it typically takes an hour to feel its effects. Make sure to start with a low dose if you opt for edibles, as they tend to provide stronger effects than other forms of marijuana.

Topical creams, lotions, and sprays typically take around 30 minutes to kick in. You’ll feel the effects of this cannabis product in the area that you apply it, making it a good option for patients with localized pain. 

Medical cannabis tinctures placed under the tongue generally provide results within 15 minutes. If you apply a cannabis tincture topically, it can take an hour to experience the effects. 

The experienced physicians at Tetra Holistic Care can help determine the best form of medical cannabis for your needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!