For Sarasota residents interested in Florida’s medical cannabis program, becoming a registered patient begins with an evaluation by a qualified physician. This guide explains how to find a medical cannabis doctor in Sarasota, prepare for your certification appointment, and complete the state application process. Whether you are only beginning your research or are ready to schedule an evaluation, you will find the major requirements outlined here.
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 Sarasota-area doctor matters.
Do you qualify? Sarasota 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 Sarasota
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 Sarasota-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 Sarasota
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 Sarasota
The 57 physicians below are registered with the state of Florida and located within about 15 miles of Planet 13’s Sarasota dispensary, covering Sarasota, Osprey, and Nokomis. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotta Langley | Longboat Key | 6680 Gulf of Mexico Dr | (941) 366-2273 |
| James Reed | Longboat Key | 509 Bay Isles Pkwy | (941) 677-7220 |
| Angelo Fonte | Nokomis | 115 Tamiami Trail N | — |
| Jesse Hawke | Nokomis | 2512 N Tamiami Trail | (941) 966-2342 |
| Jai Grewal | Osprey | Clear Thought Neurology | — |
| Gerald Grubbs | Osprey | 647 N MacEwen Dr | (941) 586-7778 |
| Michael Wolpmann | Osprey | 1070 S Tamiami Trl | (941) 485-5700 |
| Kenneth Andronico | Sarasota | 8051 N Tamiami Trail | (352) 206-5362 |
| Joaquin Aristimuno | Sarasota | 3064 University Pkwy | (941) 377-4325 |
| Elmer Arne | Sarasota | Gulfshore Personalized Care | (941) 366-2194 |
| Zyad Asi | Sarasota | 3550 S Tamiami Trail | (941) 366-4422 |
| Ronald Aung-Din | Sarasota | 3501 Cattlemen Rd | (941) 342-9477 |
| Frederick Barnum | Sarasota | 3685 Fescue Ln | (941) 357-7950 |
| Carl Bramson | Sarasota | 3776 Parkridge Cir | (941) 724-5006 |
| Nataly Bruk | Sarasota | 2415 University Pkwy | (941) 213-4444 |
| Lynn Carvel | Sarasota | 1340 John Ringling Pkwy | (941) 330-5657 |
| Tiffany Christian | Sarasota | 3900 Clark Rd | (941) 926-3100 |
| William Cole | Sarasota | 4071 Bee Ridge Rd | (941) 371-7171 |
| Scott Elsbree | Sarasota | 2601 Cattlemen Rd Ste 304 | (941) 342-1333 |
| Donald Erb | Sarasota | 6050 Cattleridge Blvd | (941) 365-0655 |
| Alan Freedman | Sarasota | 6419 Parkland Dr | — |
| Virind Gupta | Sarasota | 4541 Bee Ridge Rd | (941) 371-9355 |
| Justin Harris | Sarasota | 2831 Ringling Blvd | (941) 275-6080 |
| Fred Harvey | Sarasota | 2528 Bougainvillea St | (941) 929-9355 |
| Cynthia Higgins | Sarasota | 2805 Fruitville Rd | (941) 233-7150 |
| Brett Hirsch | Sarasota | 1250 S Tamiami Trail | (941) 365-2122 |
| Arthur Hodge | Sarasota | 6968 Professional Pkwy E | (941) 806-5511 |
| Daniel Hume | Sarasota | 6400 Edgelake Dr | (941) 928-6909 |
| Adil Jaffer | Sarasota | 1451 2nd St | (941) 312-1061 |
| Mark Jolly | Sarasota | 2828 University Pkwy | (941) 279-8810 |
| Achilles Kalnoky | Sarasota | 7250 Beneva Rd | (941) 921-0986 |
| Thomas Lambert | Sarasota | 1528 Skysail Ln | — |
| Carlos Levy | Sarasota | 2801 Fruitville Rd | (727) 203-4613 |
| Priscilla Luong | Sarasota | 3900 Clark Rd L2 | (386) 424-1584 |
| Robert Mara | Sarasota | 1515 Second St | (941) 227-2055 |
| Stephen Miley | Sarasota | 3333 Clark Rd | (941) 685-6533 |
| Daphnee Moise-Johnson | Sarasota | 15600 Hancock Rd | — |
| Anthony Montanaro | Sarasota | 5358 Everwood Run | (941) 779-5370 |
| Jainesh Patel | Sarasota | 1900 S Tamiami Trl | (845) 344-7163 |
| Nick Patel | Sarasota | 4819 Wood Pointe Way | (352) 216-7617 |
| Nikash Patel | Sarasota | 62 N School Ave | (863) 838-7825 |
| Lazo Pipovski | Sarasota | 5602 Marquesas Cir | (941) 702-5972 |
| Steven Reichbach | Sarasota | 2415 University Pkwy | — |
| Carol Roberts | Sarasota | 2106 Bispham Rd | (941) 404-8030 |
| Joseph Ross | Sarasota | 3920 Bee Ridge Rd Bldg F-A | (941) 921-7744 |
| Kyle Runnels | Sarasota | 1058 Tamiami Trail | (941) 323-6293 |
| Bettina Schutzbach | Sarasota | 5284 Paylor Ln | (864) 546-9552 |
| Kelly Schwemmer | Sarasota | 1014 N East Ave | — |
| Zahra Shariff | Sarasota | 8051 N Tamiami Trail Ste E6 | (352) 206-5362 |
| Jeffrey Siegal | Sarasota | 4188 Palau Dr | (954) 817-3176 |
| Daniel Stein | Sarasota | 8586 Potter Park Dr | (941) 400-1211 |
| Karl Swanson | Sarasota | 983 S Beneva Rd | (727) 967-5441 |
| Virginia Thornley | Sarasota | 3920 Bee Ridge Rd | (941) 363-1370 |
| Thomas Trinchetto | Sarasota | 6780 Areca Blvd | — |
| Mindy Ward | Sarasota | 2677 S Tamiami Trl Unit 4 | (941) 541-8025 |
| Ronald Webber | Sarasota | 100 Wallace Ave | (941) 361-3050 |
| Mark Wysokinski | Sarasota | 1700 S Tamiami Trl | (828) 231-2119 |
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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota
Planet 13’s Sarasota dispensary is coming soon in 2026. Until it opens, the nearest Planet 13 location is in Bradenton — and the Sarasota-area doctors below can certify you now so you’re ready to shop the moment the doors open.
Sarasota medical marijuana FAQ
Do I need a card to shop at Planet 13 in Sarasota? 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 Sarasota discounts & deals
Being a Florida medical marijuana patient comes with real savings, and Planet 13 stacks several ways for Sarasota 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
