By Norah Medical marijuana has become increasingly popular as a treatment option for various conditions in recent years. In Ohio, the legalization of medical marijuana has created a pathway for patients to access cannabis-based therapies. However, before you can access these therapies, you must first obtain an Ohio medical marijuana card. This article will guide you through the process of obtaining an Ohio medical marijuanas card.
Understanding Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Program
In 2016, Ohio passed legislation that allowed for the use of medical marijuana. The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program (OMMCP) was established to regulate the use of medical marijuana in the state. The program aims to provide safe, effective, and compliant access to medical marijuana for qualifying patients.
To qualify for medical marijuana in Ohio, patients must have a qualifying medical condition. The OMMCP has approved several medical conditions for treatment with medical marijuana, including:
- 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
- Huntington’s disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Pain that is chronic and severe or intractable
- Parkinson’s disease
- Positive status for HIV
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Sickle cell anemia
- Spinal cord disease or injury
- Tourette’s syndrome
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Ulcerative colitis
The OMMCP also allows for the use of medical marijuana to treat any other medical condition that is approved by the state medical board. Patients must have a qualifying medical condition to apply for an Ohio medical marijuana card.
The Process Of Obtaining an Ohio Medical Marijuana Card
To obtain an Ohio medical marijuana card, patients must complete several steps. The process includes obtaining a recommendation from a certified physician, submitting an online application, and paying the required fees.
Step 1: Obtain A Recommendation From A Certified Physician
The first step in obtaining an Ohio medical marijuana card is to obtain a recommendation from a certified physician. The physician should be licensed to practice medicine in Ohio and have an active, unrestricted license.
The physician will assess your medical condition and determine whether medical marijuana is an appropriate treatment option for you. If the physician determines that you qualify for medical marijuana, they will provide you with a written recommendation.
To find a certified physician in Ohio, you can search the OMMCP’s physician search tool on their website. The physician search tool allows you to search for physicians by location, specialty, and name.
Step 2: Submit An Online Application
Once you have obtained a recommendation from a certified physician, you can submit an online application for an Ohio medical marijuana card. The application is available on OMMCP’s website.
When completing the application, you will need to provide personal information, including your name, address, and date of birth. You will also need to provide your physician’s information and the written recommendation they provided.
Additionally, you will need to upload a passport-style photo and provide proof of Ohio residency. Acceptable forms of proof of residency include a valid Ohio driver’s license or state identification card, a utility bill, or a bank statement.
Step 3: Pay The Required Fees
To complete the application process, you will need to pay the required fees. The fee for an Ohio medical marijuana card is $50. However, patients who qualify for certain state or federal assistance programs may be eligible for a reduced fee of $25.
Payment can be made using a credit or debit card. Once your application and payment are processed, the OMMCP will review the application and notify you of your card’s approval or denial.
If the application is approved, you will receive a digital copy of your Ohio medical marijuana card. The digital card can be accessed on OMMCP’s website and can be printed or saved to your mobile device.
Using Your Ohio Medical Marijuana Card
Once you have obtained an Ohio medical marijuana card, you can purchase medical marijuana from a licensed dispensary in the state. There are currently over 50 licensed dispensaries in Ohio, with more expected to open in the coming years.
To purchase medical marijuana, you will have to present your Ohio medical marijuana card and a valid government-issued photo ID at the dispensary. The dispensary will verify your card and ID before allowing you to purchase medical marijuana.
It is important to note that medical marijuana is still illegal under federal law, and transporting medical marijuana across state lines is a federal offense. Patients should only purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries in Ohio and should not transport medical marijuana across state lines.