How Do You Take Medical Marijuana in Ohio?

Medical marijuana is among the most talked-about subjects when it comes to its use for medical purposes. Although no conclusive research has been conducted, more and more recent studies advocate for the benefits of medical marijuana. Thus, medical marijuana is already legal in 37 states.

Doctors may prescribe medical marijuana for various qualifying conditions. Patients undergoing trials have reported positive results on nausea, chronic pain, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, epilepsy, and many more.

The requirements for applying for a medical marijuana card in Ohio are very similar to that of other states. All Ohio residents are eligible for registration if they can show proof of residence and their medical condition is determined valid.

How Should Ohio Residents Take Medical Marijuana?

Medical marijuana is legal in Ohio as long as you are a registered patient with the right to purchase, possess and consume it. Recreational marijuana is still illegal, however, decriminalized. To purchase or use medical marijuana, you need to have an Ohio medical marijuana card.

When you become a registered patient, you will be able to legally purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries across the state.

Conditions to Apply for a Medical Card in Ohio

To be able to apply for a medical card, you must bee the following requirements:

  • Be a resident of Ohio
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Suffer from a qualifiable medical condition

If a patient is under 18 years of age, a caregiver or a legal guardian must apply on their behalf. They must also be registered with the state and hold a medical marijuana card. Caregivers may not distribute medical marijuana to anyone else except for their patients.

Get a Written Recommendation From a State-Licensed Physician

Before applying for a medical card in Ohio, a doctor must determine whether your condition and symptoms would benefit from undergoing medical marijuana treatment. Some of the conditions determined qualifiable in Ohio include, but are not limited to:

  • Alzheimer
  • Seizure disorders
  • Hepatitis C
  • Chronic pain
  • Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Cancer and other conditions
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Epilepsy or other seizure disorders
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Glaucoma

To obtain the marijuana card, you should speak to a doctor holding a medical marijuana license. The doctor will evaluate you to determine whether you qualify for this card before giving you a signed marijuana certificate. This certificate will be needed during your application with the state and will help you obtain the card.

If your condition is now listed among the qualifying conditions, you may still be able to receive a medical marijuana card. If a doctor determines that you would still benefit from medical marijuana despite your condition not being recognized legally, they can still recommend you for the treatment.

Receiving Your Medical Marijuana Card

If your application is approved, a $50 registration fee will be required to activate your card. This can be done through the patient portal.

Once you receive your medical marijuana card, you will be free to purchase A patient and their designated caregiver may purchase up to a 90-day supply of medical cannabis products from licensed dispensaries in Ohio.

The legal amount you will be able to purchase is also heavily dependent on the prescription you receive from the certifying physician.

Medical marijuana cards in Ohio must be renewed yearly. Thanks to reciprocity regulations, medical marijuana patients in Ohio may be able to use their cards to purchase in other states.

You may only use your medical card to purchase products intended for personal use. You may not distribute medical marijuana products and the cultivation of your own products is strictly prohibited.

Conclusion

Medical marijuana can be recommended for treating conditions and symptoms such as chronic pain, PTSD, hepatitis C, inflammation, epilepsy, and more. If you intend to treat any of these conditions using marijuana, you should first consult a licensed physician to determine whether or not this alternative treatment is right for you.

Make sure that you possess a medical marijuana card in Ohio before attempting to purchase any marijuana-infused products. Remember that you will lose all legal protection in other states, unless a reciprocity agreement is available.