Appointment

Medical Marijuana

If you struggle with chronic pain, PTSD, or another qualifying disease, see the experts at Physicians Creek Medical Center in North Miami Beach, Florida. Experienced internal medicine physician Adam Au, DO, MD, PhD, FACOI, and the team provide access to medical marijuana for patients who qualify.
Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is medical marijuana?

Medical marijuana is derived from cannabis plants, which contain numerous active compounds. Studies show that medical cannabis effectively treats many conditions. THC is the ingredient in marijuana that causes people to feel high, but cannabidiol (CBD) containing less than 0.3% THC is legal for use according to federal law. In Florida, certain medical conditions may qualify you to receive low-THC medical cannabis or THC-containing medical cannabis.
Medical marijuana, available in Florida, can treat or reduce symptoms associated with:
  • Glaucoma
  • Cancer
  • Epilepsy (seizures)
  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
  • Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Some forms of chronic pain
You may have more than one condition that medical marijuana helps address.
To determine if you’re a candidate for medical marijuana, the Physicians Creek Medical Center team discusses your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and current medications. They check your vital signs, complete a physical exam, and may order diagnostic tests that determine the specific condition you have and how to treat it.
You can obtain medical marijuana if your provider diagnoses you with a qualifying condition. You may then enter into Florida’s medical marijuana use registry and obtain a medical marijuana registry identification card. This card enables you to obtain the marijuana from a nearby dispensary.
When using medical marijuana, you might receive it in the following forms: oil, vapor, tincture, topical, intranasal, suppository, transdermal, pill, or smokable plant flowers. It’s vital to use marijuana exactly as directed by your provider. Potential side effects may include dizziness, slower reaction times, increased appetite, a higher heart rate, or changes in memory or concentration. However, side effects vary from person to person.
The Physicians Creek Medical Center team follows up regularly to ensure your treatment plan is effective. They may alter it if necessary. The practice’s concierge medicine model provides easy access to your specialist whenever you need them.