Whether you are new to Gainesville or have lived in the area for years, applying for a Florida medical cannabis card involves the same essential steps: physician certification, state registration, and application approval. This Gainesville-focused guide explains how to find a qualified medical cannabis doctor, what you can expect from the evaluation, and how to complete the process before visiting a licensed dispensary as a registered patient.
Medical marijuana in Florida, briefly
Florida legalized medical marijuana in 2016 when voters passed Amendment 2, and the program is run by the Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU). To purchase, you need to be a Florida resident, be certified by a state-qualified physician for a qualifying condition, and hold an active Medical Marijuana Use Registry ID card. Products are sold only through licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs) — including Planet 13. One point specific to Florida: the state requires an in-person exam for your first certification, so a local Gainesville-area doctor matters.
Do you qualify? Gainesville patients and the conditions that count
Florida certifies patients for a defined set of qualifying conditions, plus comparable conditions a physician determines are of the same kind or class: cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, ALS, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis, along with terminal conditions and chronic nonmalignant pain caused by a qualifying condition. Because of the “same kind or class” clause, many patients with conditions like severe anxiety, migraines, or chronic back pain are evaluated and certified — that determination is up to a qualified physician.
How to get a medical marijuana card in Gainesville
The process is more straightforward than most people expect, and most patients are approved to shop within a week or two.
- See a qualified local doctor in person. Choose a physician from the directory below and book an evaluation. Bring your Florida ID and any records that document your condition.
- Get certified in the registry. If you qualify, the doctor enters your certification into the state’s Medical Marijuana Use Registry.
- Apply for your OMMU ID card. Submit your application with a $75 annual fee (about $77.75 online). Most cards are approved in roughly 5–10 business days.
- Shop at a licensed dispensary. With an active card, visit a Gainesville-area MMTC like Planet 13 to fill your recommendation.
What it costs, roughly: a first-time evaluation typically runs $150–$250, plus the $75 state fee. Renewals are usually less.
Already have a card? Renewing in Gainesville
Florida’s program runs on two clocks. Your OMMU ID card is valid for one year — renew it with the state for the same $75 fee, up to 45 days before it expires. Separately, your physician certification must be renewed every 210 days (about seven months), so you’ll see a doctor for recertification roughly twice a year. The good news for returning patients: because you already have an in-person relationship on file, recertification visits can usually be handled by telehealth. Renew a few weeks early to avoid any gap in access.
Medical marijuana doctors in Gainesville
The 16 physicians below are registered with the state of Florida and located within about 15 miles of Planet 13’s Gainesville dispensary, covering Gainesville and Alachua. Compiled from the OMMU’s official qualified-physician list (updated July 2026) and reviewed monthly. Registration status can change — confirm directly with the office when you book.
| Physician | City / Area | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greg Westwood | Alachua | 15652 NW US Hwy 441 Ste 2D | (386) 418-4060 |
| Naglaa Abdel Al | Gainesville | 4001 W Newberry Rd E#3 | (352) 505-3677 |
| Joey Beyer | Gainesville | 2610 NW 43rd St | — |
| Christopher Bray | Gainesville | 9200 NW 39th Ave | (352) 441-9110 |
| Justin Davis | Gainesville | 322 SW 4th Ave | (352) 641-0123 |
| Daniel Dickinson | Gainesville | Suite 110 EPMC | (352) 872-5111 |
| Kelly Dyess | Gainesville | 1600 SW Archer Rd | — |
| Carolyn Indianos | Gainesville | 5010 W Newberry Rd | (352) 226-4147 |
| Alexander Kaye | Gainesville | 4750 SW 91 Dr Ste A | (352) 367-9602 |
| Mateusz Lapucha | Gainesville | 3318 SW 120th Terrace | (337) 371-8163 |
| Albert Matos | Gainesville | 3600 Med Family Care | (352) 872-5755 |
| Innocent Odocha | Gainesville | 605 NE 1st St | (352) 371-3212 |
| Shayna Rich | Gainesville | 5609 NW 22nd Pl | (443) 604-6308 |
| Lori Schmerling | Gainesville | 8475 NW 39th Ave | (352) 627-0400 |
| Alan Weinstein | Gainesville | 901 NW 8th Ave | (352) 792-6707 |
| Brent Stewart | Newberry | 194 NW 137th Dr | (352) 888-7246 |
Prefer to start online? Statewide telehealth options
If visiting a local office first isn’t convenient, several Florida providers let you book online and operate clinics statewide. Keep in mind that Florida requires your initial certification to be completed in person — but these networks make scheduling simple and many handle renewals and follow-ups online:
- DocMJ — statewide Florida certification network with online booking and locations across the state.
- CannaMD — statewide Florida certification service with online appointments and multiple clinic locations.
Looking beyond the Gainesville area? You can view the complete, official statewide list of registered medical marijuana physicians from Florida’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU), which also has authoritative, up-to-date information on the state’s medical marijuana program.
Planet 13 in Gainesville
Once you’re certified, Planet 13’s Gainesville dispensary is ready to help.
Planet 13 Gainesville: 3607 Southwest Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608 · (352) 554-4021 · serving Gainesville and Alachua.
The store carries flower, vapes, edibles, tinctures, and concentrates from licensed Florida producers, with staff who can help match products to what your doctor recommended.
Gainesville medical marijuana FAQ
Do I need a card to shop at Planet 13 in Gainesville? Yes. Florida requires an active Medical Marijuana Use Registry ID card, issued after a qualified physician certifies you.
How much does a Florida medical marijuana card cost? The state charges a $75 annual registry fee (about $77.75 online). Physician evaluations typically add $150–$250 for the first visit.
Can I get certified over telehealth in Florida? No — the initial certification requires an in-person exam. Renewals can often be handled by telehealth.
How long until I can buy? Most patients receive their registry ID in about 5–10 business days.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or legal advice. Medical marijuana eligibility and dosing are decisions for a qualified physician. Program rules and fees are set by the Florida OMMU and may change; verify current requirements at the state registry. You must be a Florida resident and meet program requirements to participate.
Planet 13 Gainesville discounts & deals
Being a Florida medical marijuana patient comes with real savings, and Planet 13 stacks several ways for Gainesville patients to spend less. Whether you’re brand new to the program or a longtime cardholder, here’s how to make your visit go further — from first-time offers to everyday discounts for veterans, seniors, educators, and more.
New patient savings
50% OFF your first 3 visits.
*Exclusions Apply
Everyday Discounts (Loyalty Members):
40% OFF Veterans & First Responders ·
35% OFF Cannabis Industry & Hospitality (Mon–Wed) ·
25% OFF Seniors (55+) & Pediatric Caregivers ·
20% OFF Teachers, College Students & SNAP/SSI/SSDI.
Can’t be combined — one per transaction.
*Exclusions Apply
Weekly specials
Try It Tuesday (one product at its best price, one day only) ·
Wisdom Wednesday 55+ (60% off 9–11 AM, 50% rest of day) ·
Thank You Thursday (Veterans, First Responders, Medical Professionals, K-12 Teachers, Government Employees 50% all day, 60% off 5–7 PM).
*Exclusions Apply
About Planet 13 Florida
Planet 13 Florida is a licensed Florida medical marijuana treatment center, serving registered patients across our locations statewide with flower, concentrates, edibles, vapes, tinctures, and topicals from our family of house brands. Browse our full menu online to see what’s available near you, or stop into any Planet 13 Florida location and talk with our team in person — they’re happy to walk you through product types, formats, and lab results so you can make an informed choice. For guidance about your own care, always consult your qualified physician.
Florida medical marijuana patients can explore the cannabis products that best fit their needs at planet13florida.com.
DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Planet 13 Florida is a licensed Medicinal Marijuana Treatment Company. Medical cannabis in Florida requires a valid physician recommendation and OMMU registration. No cannabinoid compound discussed herein is FDA-approved for the treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease or condition, except where explicitly stated (e.g., Epidiolex for epilepsy). Research cited represents the current state of scientific inquiry and should not be interpreted as established clinical guidance. Consult your physician before making any changes to your wellness plan.
Planet 13 Florida operates 33 dispensary locations across the state of Florida as a licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MMTC). Florida law requires a physician recommendation to purchase medical cannabis products.
© Planet 13 Florida | Patient Education Series
