ORLANDO, Fla. — A nonprofit plans to cover medical marijuana physician evaluations and state card fees for 100 eligible veterans during an Orlando event next month.
Veterans Cannabis Care and cannabis packaging company Grove Bags are hosting “FREE: A Day of Veteran Appreciation” from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29, at VFW Post 4287, 3500 S. Goldenrod Road.
The event follows the nonprofit’s “250 Veterans. 250 Years.” campaign, which Channel 9 covered in September. Organizers say all available appointments filled at that campaign’s Orlando, Cocoa Beach and Tampa events.
What the program covers
Veterans Cannabis Care says it will pay the physician evaluation and state application fees, which organizers estimate total about $275 per participant.
The event website lists both new patients and patients seeking recertification as eligible to participate.
The offer covers costs, but medical marijuana approval is not automatic. Florida requires patients to meet eligibility requirements, receive certification from a qualified physician and obtain approval for a Medical Marijuana Use Registry identification card.
Appointments and documentation
Organizers direct veterans to VeteransCannabisCare.org/Nov29 for appointment information.
The event page says participants should bring a DD-214 or VA identification card and complete any requested intake paperwork.
For those who qualify, the physician certification lasts seven months and the state identification card is valid for 12 months, according to the event information.
Fundraiser supports future appointments
The day will also feature food trucks, live music, a DJ stage and vendor booths, according to organizers. Admission is free for veterans.
Organizers say the fundraiser will support additional evaluations and card fees in 2027.
“Veterans have earned a day built entirely around them, and every dollar raised that day puts another Veteran into the program,” said Veterans Cannabis Care founder Robb Harmon.
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