T
he time is here to consider medical marijuana as an easier, safer and more common medicine than you might think.
Medical marijuana has been legal in Ohio since the Medical Marijuana Control Act passed and was signed into law by then-Governor John Kasich in 2016. Pursuant to the Act, hundreds of thousands of Ohioans are registered patients and carry a state-issued Medical Marijuana card which entitles the patient to fill the recommendations made by state-certified doctors at any of the more than sixty dispensaries around the state.
As of 2022 a list of 30 medical conditions may qualify patients to participate in the Ohio Medical Marijuana Program. Obtaining a Medical Marijuana card requires the approval of a licensed medical practitioner.
List of medical conditions currently approved
Aids, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, cachexia, cancer, chronic encephalopathy, Crohn’s, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, glaucoma, hepatitis C, Huntington’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease, PTSD, sickle cell, Spasticity, spinal cord injury, terminal illness, Tourette syndrome, traumatic brain injury, and ulcerative colitis.
How do I register?
All Ohio medical marijuana patients are required to register with the State Board of Pharmacy. Patient registration requests are checked and approved by State qualified physicians. A list of qualified physicians can be found at Medical Marijuana.Ohio.gov. An appointment with the physician can be either in person or via Tele Doc. As a patient certification, signed by a physician confirming a qualifying medical condition, is valid for one year only, a yearly visit is required. Certified physicians can submit the recommendation for continued certification directly to the Patient Registry. The annual cost to be included in the Registry and to hold a valid medical marijuana card is fifty dollars.
As in all medical situations, sensitive patient information is kept private.
Where to purchase THC / CBD products
Once you have a valid medical marijuana card in hand, it’s time to shop.
Medical marijuana can only be purchased at Ohio Certified Dispensaries. A list of Certified dispensaries can be found at Medical Marijuana.Ohio.Gov along with a map of their locations.
Pro tip
As of November 2022, there are 51 certified dispensaries in Ohio, and all are very aware that customer service and patient confidentiality are of utmost importance. If internet research isn’t for you, simply find a dispensary near you and stop in. They will be happy to answer all your questions. They can also help you with the registration process, and even set you up with a Teladoc appointment. This service is very helpful but will likely include additional fees, usually $100 to $150.
Stigma?
Worried about what your friends or family members might think? Not to worry. There were over 286,000 unique patients purchasing medical marijuana products in Ohio in October 2022 alone.
Dispensaries carry a wide range of THC delivery systems. There is of course the traditional “flower” which in Ohio is sold to be vaporized ( Ohio excludes the use of a flame for smoking flower, however once the product is purchased the dispensaries have no control over how the product is used.). Dispensaries also stock a large variety of vapes, and edibles – brownies, cookies and gummies.
Summary
Marijuana in Ohio has come a long way. With a variety of products and medicinal uses, this industry is poised for huge growth in the coming years.
If you’re concerned about the rising cost and dubious benefits of some prescription pharmaceuticals, a look into legalized medical marijuana in Ohio just might be the alternative you’ve been waiting for.
Resources
Ohio Medical Marijuana hotline 1-833-464-6627
