- What Is Medical Marijuana?
- How Do You Get a Medical Marijuana Card?
- What Are the Benefits of Medicinal Cannabis?
- Am I a Candidate for Medical Marijuana?
- What to Expect After Medical Marijuana
- reTHINK CANNABIS Reviews
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Enhanced Wellness, Inside and Out
- Ready to Get Started?
- Get In Touch
- Related Posts
What Is Medical Marijuana?
Medical cannabis (or marijuana) is an alternative approach for managing chronic pain, mental health disorders, and a variety of common (and uncommon) conditions that can impact a person's well-being and quality of life. Unlike recreational marijuana, which is more about the psychoactive effects, medicinal cannabis focuses on the therapeutic benefits of this drug to improve appetite, alleviate anxiety, and relieve persistent pain. For patients with eligible conditions in Florida and Pennsylvania, reTHINK CANNABIS provides education on the medical benefits of marijuana, guidance on how to properly dose, and certification to allow the purchase of cannabis products. Led by Dr. Charlene Shaw, a medical marijuana specialist with a background in internal medicine and palliative care, we're committed to helping patients explore all their options so they can move forward with comfort and confidence. To learn more about how medical marijuana certification works or to find out if you're eligible for medical marijuana, schedule a virtual consultation or an in-person visit to our Fort Lauderdale, FL office today.
How Do You Get a Medical Marijuana Card?
The process starts with an appointment with Dr. Shaw, where you'll discuss the symptoms you're experiencing, how medicinal cannabis might help, and whether this approach is right for you. If you're eligible, she'll go over the different products available and provide the necessary paperwork for you to give to your state licensing agency. For patients in Pennsylvania, this visit can take place virtually, but Florida law requires that your first appointment take place in person (you can schedule telehealth appointments after this). After completing the process and receiving your license, you'll be able to legally purchase medicinal cannabis at retailers in your state. Once you start treatment, we'll schedule follow-up visits to review the effects, discuss changes to your dosage, and renew your certification before it expires.
What Are the Benefits of Medicinal Cannabis?
Cannabis therapy is not intended as a replacement for conventional medical treatment but rather as a way to complement your doctor's care plan with solutions to enhance your day-to-day life. Whether you're suffering from cancer-related nausea, stress caused by past trauma, or persistent pain that doesn't respond to other approaches, medical cannabis may help, providing benefits that include:
- Helps manage hard-to-treat symptoms in a way that fits your life
- May ease pain, inflammation, anxiety, or nausea without adding a long list of side effects
- Can help with sleep, appetite, and emotional stability
- Offers choices in how and when you take it
- Doesn't require stopping your other medications
- Gives you room to experiment with support
- Can be part of a more balanced, sustainable care plan
Am I a Candidate for Medical Marijuana?
You may be eligible for medical marijuana in Florida if you’ve been diagnosed with a qualifying condition or a similar health issue that significantly impacts your daily life. State law recognizes certain conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, PTSD, and chronic pain, while also allowing physicians to approve comparable concerns like anxiety, migraines, or depression. If your physician confirms you are a candidate, they will complete the certification, and our team will guide you through the process of applying for your Medical Marijuana Use Registry ID card. Once approved, you’ll have access to personalized treatment in Fort Lauderdale tailored to your unique needs. Some of the most appropriate candidates for medical marijuana include:
- Patients with qualifying conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, or PTSD
- Those living with chronic non-malignant pain
- People managing severe anxiety, migraines, or depression
- Florida residents seeking physician-directed cannabis care
What to Expect After Medical Marijuana
If medical marijuana is part of your treatment plan, you can expect a gradual period of adjustment as your body responds to your prescribed dosage and form - whether inhaled, edible, or topical. Some patients notice relaxation or symptom relief shortly after use, while others may need time to find their optimal dosing schedule. Our team will carefully monitor your progress and help you understand how to manage timing, dosage, and potential side effects. You’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions, including follow-up check-ins to ensure safe, effective symptom control and ongoing comfort.
reTHINK CANNABIS Reviews
Best service I’ve received!I went in to renew my marijuana license and the entire process was incredibly smooth. Dr. Shaw made me feel very comfortable, answered all of my questions thoroughly, and was so humble and kind throughout. I’m truly grateful I was referred to her—highly recommend! 👌
Dr Shaw is amazing. I went for my appointment and left my tumbler there. She sent it back to me in the mail along with recipes of teas I wanted to learn more about. Thank you Dr. Shaw for your package and attention to detail.
Dr. Shaw asked me why "I" felt I needed THC and opened up a proper discussion for a solution. Great Experience!
Dr Shaw is everything a physician should be. She asks the right questions and really takes time to get to know her patients.I strongly recommend Dr Shaw.
Professional, Intelligent, and friendly! Dr. Shaw is an amazing doctor who I would highly recommend to anyone looking for care.
10
Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
Frequently Asked Questions
Will medical marijuana make me test positive on a drug test?
Yes, using medical marijuana can result in a positive drug test for THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis. Even if your use is legally authorized and medically supervised, standard drug screenings typically do not differentiate between recreational and medical use. If you're subject to routine testing, especially in certain workplaces or legal situations, t’s important to disclose your medical marijuana use to the appropriate parties and understand the implications based on your specific local laws and employer policies.
What forms does medical marijuana come in?
While smoking is one method of using medical marijuana, it's certainly not the only option and may not the preferred one in a clinical setting. Many patients opt for alternative delivery methods such as topical products or edibles, which may offer more controlled dosing and fewer respiratory concerns. The best form of administration depends on your symptoms, goals, and any coexisting health conditions. During your consultation, our team can discuss options and provide appropriate guidance.
Is there a minimum age requirement for medical marijuana?
State regulations typically establish a minimum age, which is often 18, for independently accessing medical marijuana. However, in certain cases involving severe or treatment-resistant conditions, younger patients may qualify under stricter guidelines and with parental or guardian consent. These cases often require review and authorization by a certified medical professional and compliance with state-specific laws. Because laws vary and clinical provider recommendations are unique from case to case, we encourage families to consult directly with their medical team to explore whether medical cannabis may be appropriate in such scenarios.
Is medical marijuana stronger than regular cannabis?
Not necessarily. The difference between medical marijuana and recreational cannabis is often less about overall “strength” and more about how it is selected, formulated, and used for symptom management. Medical marijuana products may contain specific cannabinoid ratios, formulations, or delivery methods designed to target symptoms like chronic pain, nausea, anxiety, sleep disruption, or muscle spasms more intentionally and consistently.
How long does a medical marijuana certification card last?
The length of time a medical marijuana certification remains valid can vary depending on state regulations and the patient’s qualifying condition. In many cases, patients must renew their certification periodically through a follow-up evaluation to maintain an active medical marijuana card and continued legal access to treatment.
Do I have to disclose if I am using medical marijuana?
In many healthcare settings, it is important to inform your medical providers about medical marijuana use so they can better understand your full treatment plan, monitor for potential interactions, and provide safe, coordinated care. Disclosure requirements outside of healthcare — such as with employers or other organizations — can vary based on local laws, workplace policies, and individual circumstances.
Enhanced Wellness, Inside and Out
If you've been thinking about trying medical marijuana but aren’t sure where to start, we can help. At reTHINK CANNABIS, Dr. Shaw provides thoughtful, practical support for patients in Florida and Pennsylvania who want to understand their options. Book your consultation online or at our Fort Lauderdale, FL office to see if medicinal cannabis might offer the relief you've been looking for.