Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Card: Everything You Need To Know
Ohio has been one of the states to legalize the use of medical marijuana for patients with qualifying medical conditions. The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program (MMCP) is responsible for regulating the cultivation, processing, and sale of medical marijuana in the state. Ohio’s medical marijuana card program is designed to ensure patients have safe access to medical marijuana.
If you’re interested in obtaining an Ohio medical marijuanas card, there are several important factors to consider. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Ohio’s medical marijuana card, including how to qualify, how to apply, and where to buy medical marijuana.
Qualifying Conditions
To qualify for a medical marijuana card in Ohio, you must have one of the following qualifying medical conditions:
- AIDS
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Cancer
- Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)
- Crohn’s disease
- Epilepsy or another seizure disorder
- Fibromyalgia
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis C
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Sickle cell anemia
- Spinal cord disease or injury
- Tourette’s syndrome
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Ulcerative colitis.
If you have a medical condition that is not on the above list, you may still be eligible for a medical marijuana card if your physician believes that medical marijuana would be an appropriate treatment for your condition.
Physician Certification
To apply for a medical marijuana card in Ohio, you must first obtain a recommendation from a certified physician. The physician should be licensed to practice medicine in Ohio and have completed a course on medical marijuana.
During your appointment with the physician, you will need to provide medical records to verify your diagnosis. The physician will also discuss the potential benefits and risks of using medical marijuana as a treatment option.
Once the physician certifies that you have a qualifying medical condition and that medical marijuana is an appropriate treatment option, they will provide you with a signed recommendation.
Application Process
After receiving your recommendation from a certified physician, you can start the application process for your medical marijuana card in Ohio.
The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program has an online patient registry where you can submit your application. You’ll need to create an account and provide personal information like your name, address, and date of birth.
You’ll also need to upload a copy of your physician’s recommendation and a government-issued photo ID. You’ll need to pay a fee of $50 when submitting your application.
Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program. If your application is approved, you’ll receive an email with a link to pay for your medical marijuana card. The fee for the card is $25, and it must be renewed annually.
Where To Buy Medical Marijuana?
Once you have a medical marijuana card, you can purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries in Ohio. There are currently over 50 dispensaries throughout the state.
You can find a list of licensed dispensaries on the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program website. You’ll need to show your medical marijuana card and a government-issued photo ID to purchase medical marijuana at a dispensary.
Types Of Medical Marijuana Products
Ohio’s medical marijuana program allows for a variety of medical marijuana products to be sold at dispensaries. These include:
- Flower: Dried and cured cannabis that is smoked or vaporized
- Edibles: Food items that are infused with medical marijuana
- Tinctures: Liquid extracts that can be added to food or taken orally
- Topicals: Balms, lotions, and creams that can be applied directly to the skin
- Oils: Concentrated extracts that can be added to food or taken orally
- Patches: Transdermal patches that release medical marijuana into the bloodstream
- Vape cartridges: Oil-filled cartridges that are used with a vaporizer pen.
It’s important to note that smoking medical marijuana in public is illegal in Ohio. It’s also illegal to drive under the influence of medical marijuana.
