Florida officials warn of medical marijuana scams

Third parties not authorized to issue medical marijuana ID cards

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Floridians are being warned of scams surrounding medical marijuana.

The Florida Department of Health is urging residents to avoid businesses advertising free or cheaper access to medical marijuana while claiming they are with the state's Office of Compassionate Use when asking for credit card information.

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State officials say no third party is authorized to issue medical marijuana identification cards, and the Office of Compassionate use does not accept credit cards as payment for ID cards.

The Department of Health said seven organizations in Florida are authorized to dispense medical marijuana.

Those affected by scams involving medical marijuana are asked to report incidents to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 800-HELP-FLA.

Health officials offered tips for protection from the scam.

  • The department’s Office of Compassionate Use is the only entity issuing identification cards for medical marijuana in Florida. No third party is authorized to process applications. Do not provide credit card information to any third party entity advertising the ability to obtain medical marijuana cards.
  • The department does not currently accept credit cards as a form of payment for an Office of Compassionate Use identification card. There is no need to ever provide your credit card information to the department’s Office of Compassionate Use.
  • There are seven dispensing organizations authorized to cultivate, process and dispense medical marijuana. These seven are the only businesses in Florida authorized to dispense medical marijuana to qualified patients and legal representatives.
  • The Office of Compassionate Use maintains a list of physicians who have completed the required 8 hour education course. To find a qualified ordering physician click here.

 


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