In 2016, Ohio Governor John Kasich signed legislation legalizing medical marijuana in the state. Since then, Ohio’s medical marijuana program has expanded, with over 135,000 patients and 50 dispensaries now operating throughout the state. If you are an Ohio resident with a qualifying medical condition, you may be eligible for a medical marijuana card. This article will discuss how to apply for and qualify for an Ohio medical marijuana card.
Qualifying Medical Conditions
The first step in obtaining an Ohio medical marijuanas card is to determine if you have a qualifying medical condition. In Ohio, the following medical conditions qualify for medical marijuana use:
- 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 (IBD)
- 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 one of these medical conditions, you may be eligible for an Ohio medical marijuana card.
Physician Certification
The next step in obtaining an Ohio medical marijuana card is to receive a physician certification. This means that a licensed physician must confirm that you have qualifying medical condition and that medical marijuana would be an appropriate treatment option for you. To receive a physician certification, you must first have a bona fide physician-patient relationship with a licensed Ohio physician.
Once you have established a physician-patient relationship, your physician will evaluate your medical history and current condition to determine if you qualify for medical marijuana use. If your physician determines that you do qualify, they will provide you with a signed physician certification form. This form should be submitted as part of your medical marijuana card application.
Medical Marijuana Card Application
After you have received a physician certification, you can begin the process of applying for an Ohio medical marijuana card. The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program manages the application process, which can be completed online through the Ohio Medical Marijuana Patient Registry. The following steps are involved in the application process:
- Create an account on the Ohio Medical Marijuana Patient Registry website. You will need to provide basic information, including your name, date of birth, and contact information.
- Complete the medical marijuana patient application. This includes providing personal information and uploading your physician certification form.
- Pay the $50 application fee. This fee is non-refundable and should be paid online through the Ohio Medical Marijuana Patient Registry.
- Wait for your application to be reviewed. Once your application submitted, it will be reviewed by the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program. You will receivethe email notification when your application has been approved or denied.
- Receive your medical marijuana card. If your application is approved then you will receive medical marijuana card in the mail within 10 business days.
Using Your Medical Marijuana Card
Once you have received your Ohio medical marijuana card, you can purchase medical marijuana from any licensed dispensary in the state. Your card allows you to purchase and possess up to 90-day supply of medical marijuana. You can also designate a caregiver to purchase medical marijuana on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
It is important to note that medical marijuana use is still illegal under federal law, and possessing or using medical marijuana can result in legal consequences. However, Ohio’s medical marijuana program is fully legal and regulated within the state.
