Medical marijuana has been a hot topic in Ohio for the past few years. The Ohio Medical Marijuana Program was established in 2016, and patients with qualifying medical conditions have been able to obtain medical marijuana cards since 2018. The program has since expanded to include more qualifying conditions and dispensaries throughout the state.
If you’re a patient in Ohio interested in obtaining a medical marijuana card, this guide is for you. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to obtain an Ohio medical marijuana card. We’ll cover everything you need to know, including the qualifying conditions, the application process, and the rules and regulations of the program.
Step 1: Determine If You Qualify
The first step in obtaining an Ohio medical marijuana card is determining if you qualify. The Ohio Medical Marijuana Program allows patients with certain qualifying medical conditions to use medical marijuana. These qualifying conditions include:
- AIDS
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Epilepsy or another seizure disorder
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis C
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Sickle cell anemia
- Tourette syndrome
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
If you have one of these qualifying conditions, you may be eligible to obtain an Ohio medical marijuana card.
Step 2: Obtain A Recommendation From A Qualified Physician
To obtain an Ohio medical marijuanas card, you must obtain a recommendation from a qualified physician. The physician must be licensed to practice medicine in Ohio and must have completed a course on medical marijuana.
You must first schedule an appointment with a qualified physician to obtain a recommendation. You can find a list of qualified physicians on the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program’s website. During your appointment, the physician will evaluate your medical condition and determine if medical marijuana is appropriate for you.
If the physician determines that medical marijuana is an appropriate treatment, they will provide you with a written recommendation. The recommendation will include the following information:
- Your name and date of birth
- The qualifying medical condition for which you are seeking treatment
- The physician’s name, license number, and signature
- The date the recommendation was provided
Step 3: Register With The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program
Once you have a recommendation from a qualified physician, you must register with the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program. You can do this online by visiting the program’s website.
To register, you will need to provide the following information:
- Your name, address, and contact information
- Your Ohio driver’s license or state ID number
- Your recommendation from a qualified physician
- Payment of a registration fee
Caregivers are individuals a patient has designated to assist them with obtaining and using medical marijuana.
Step 4: Obtain An Ohio Medical Marijuana Card
Once you have registered with the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program and your application has been approved, you will receive your Ohio medical marijuana card. The card will be sent to you in the mail and valid for one year from the date of issuance.
Your medical marijuana card will include the following information:
- Your name and date of birth
- Your registration number
- The date the card was issued
- The expiration date of the card
- The name and contact information of the dispensary where you will obtain your medical marijuana
Step 5: Purchase Medical Marijuana From A Dispensary
Once you have obtained your Ohio medical marijuana card, you can purchase medical marijuana from a licensed dispensary. Ohio has dozens of licensed dispensaries throughout the state, so you should be able to find a convenient dispensary.
When you visit a dispensary, you’ll need to present your Ohio medical marijuana card and a valid government-issued ID. The dispensary will verify your information and allow you to purchase medical marijuana.
The Ohio Medical Marijuana Program allows patients to purchase a 90-day supply of medical marijuana. The amount of medical marijuana you can purchase will depend on the form of marijuana you’re using (e.g., flower, oil, edibles) and the amount of THC in the product.
It’s important to note that you cannot legally transport medical marijuana outside Ohio. If you plan to travel outside of the state, you should leave your medical marijuana at home.
Rules And Regulations
It’s important to be aware of the rules and regulations of the Ohio Medical Marijuana Program. The program is regulated by the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program, which has established strict guidelines for patients, physicians, and dispensaries.
Some of the rules and regulations of the program include the following:
- Patients must obtain a recommendation from a qualified physician.
- Patients must register with the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program and obtain a medical marijuana card.
- Patients must purchase medical marijuana from a licensed dispensary and cannot transport marijuana outside of Ohio.
- Physicians must complete a course on medical marijuana and provide a written recommendation that includes specific information.
Dispensaries must be licensed and comply with strict rules and regulations for the storage, dispensing, and labeling of medical marijuana.