For the first time in Central Florida, a medical marijuana product has been delivered to a patient.
Limited distribution became legal in 2014, but the products are just starting to roll out.
The marijuana was delivered at a doctor’s office in Orange City Monday afternoon.
For Amanda Gammisch, it couldn’t come soon enough.
“I went into the hospital unconscious and having seizures, and they found a mass in my head,” said Gammisch.
Gammisch’s blonde curls cover her scars where surgeons have tried with two surgeries to get rid of her brain tumor.
“It’s what I like to call the invisible disease, because a lot of times if you see me on the street, I don’t look like I have a five-year life expectancy, but that’s what I’m up against,” she said.
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But Gammisch said she now has a glimmer of hope.
An armed guard delivered cannabis oil to her doctor’s office.
“I’m a little emotional because it’s exciting to have somebody like her be able to possibly have a longer life expectancy, and have a better quality of life,” said Dr. Joseph Rosado.
Dispensing cannabis-based products became legal in Florida in 2014 under strict guidelines.
Gammisch got her oil through Surterra, one of the six organizations in the state approved to dispense medical marijuana.
Only patients with cancer or conditions that cause seizures or spasms can qualify.
Doctors have to go through an eight-hour training course to recommend it, and the patient has to have gone to that doctor for at least 90 days.
Now that her wait is over, Gammisch hopes the oil can take the place of radiation and chemotherapy.
Her doctor claims research shows it could help shrink her tumor.
"A lot of people that are cancer sufferers know that chemotherapy can make you more sick,” Gammisch said.
Her doctor also said there has been research showing the product can help shrink tumors