In April of 2016, the House chamber was introduced to the idea of the legalization of medical marijuana. In conjunction with Senate oversight, the state of Ohio authorized the legal use of medical marijuana as of September 8, 2016. This came in the form of House Bill 523 through the Ohio Legislature (134th General Assembly).
Due to this accomplishment, Ohio is exploring ways for its residents to have greater access to dispensaries and treatment plans. Before April 2021, the Ohio Board of Pharmacy set a strict limit of how many cannabis dispensaries would be available to the public (max of 57). Today, that number has risen to 130 locations and isn’t expected to stop there. Due to the increase of 73 dispensaries, most residents of Ohio do not have to travel more than 30 minutes to reach their chosen dispensary. In fact, most of these new locations are in the suburbs or metropolitan areas such as Akron, Canton, and Dayton. This allows people to buy their products without driving to large cities such as Cleveland.
For help searching for a dispensary near you, click here.
How to Become Eligible for a Medical Marijuana Treatment Plan in OH
To legally purchase cannabis for medical purposes in Ohio, you must first meet several requirements that allow for the acquisition of an Ohio marijuana card:
- At least 18 years old
- If under 18, the caregiver who is purchasing the cannabis must be at least 21
- Prove proof of existing residency in Ohio
- Official diagnosis of a qualified condition by a licensed doctor
Once you are eligible for a card, you will receive it in your email from the Ohio Board of Pharmacy. This will grant you all the legal benefits that medical marijuana can provide.
What Conditions Qualify an Individual For Medical Marijuana?
Currently, there are 25 total illnesses that the state of Ohio recognizes as qualifying conditions. This number is not fixed however, as petitions are held every year to add to the existing list. If you feel that your condition warrants medical cannabis, you can file your request through the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program.
The list of conditions are as follows:
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Hepatitis C
- Huntington’s Disease
- AIDS
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Cachexia
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Cancer
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Chronic Pain
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Spasticity
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Terminal Illnesses
- Crohn’s Disease
- Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
- Tourette’s Syndrome
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Epilepsy
- Fibromyalgia
- Glaucoma
- HIV
Can Your Family Doctor Recommend Medical Marijuana?
Not all family doctors in Ohio are licensed and authorized to recommend cannabis for medical treatment. You must locate a certified physician that is trained to diagnose the conditions applicable to marijuana use. During your first visit and consultation, you can expect to discuss your full medical history and the current symptoms you are experiencing. Once you have located and selected a physician that you trust, it is recommended that you follow up with him or her every 90 days to discuss what is working and what side-effects you may be experiencing.
Purchase Limits of Medical Marijuana in Ohio
Wrongfully Charged for Legal Marijuana Use?
If you or someone you know has been wrongfully accused for possession of marijuana, or any other drug offense, turn to our drug crime lawyers in Cleveland, OH. We are not only experienced with criminal defense, we are also former prosecutors that know the legal system inside and out. Call today for your consultation and get the defense team you deserve on your side!
Call Patituce & Associates at (440) 471-7784 to get started.