Medical marijuana has been legal in the state of Ohio ever since it was passed into law in 2016. This means that if you suffer from a qualifying condition, you can legally use cannabis to treat your symptoms. Despite this, there are still many people who don’t know how to get started with medical marijuana in Ohio.
Here, we’ll discuss the basics of using medical cannabis and provide some tips on how to get started. Stay tuned for more information on specific conditions and treatment methods!
What Is Medical Marijuana?
Medical marijuana is a type of cannabis that treats various medical conditions. Medical marijuana contains specific cannabinoids known to have therapeutic effects. These cannabinoids include CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). CBD is anti-inflammatory and analgesic, while THC has the ability to help with pain relief, appetite stimulation, and nausea control.
Medical marijuana is used in various forms, including oils, tinctures, edibles, topical products, and more. The type of product you use will depend on your symptoms and preferences.
Why Does a Doctor Prescribe Medical Marijuana?
A doctor prescribes medical marijuana for many reasons. It reduces pain, nausea, and vomiting associated with certain medical conditions. It helps to increase appetite in patients who have lost weight due to medical conditions. Medical marijuana reduces inflammation, relaxes muscles, reduces anxiety, improves sleep, and treats seizures.
In some cases, it treats glaucoma and depression. Use medical marijuana under the supervision of a licensed medical professional. Self-medicating with medical marijuana is a safe alternative to opioids and other highly addictive painkillers.
What Are the Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Ohio?
The qualifying conditions for medical marijuana in Ohio include:
Chronic Pain
Alzheimer’s Disease
Intractable Pain
Cachexia
Fibromyalgia
Glaucoma
Multiple Sclerosis
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Cancer
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
Arthritis
Spinal Cord Disease
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Parkinson’s Disease
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Crohn’s Disease
Epilepsy
HIV/AIDS
Hepatitis C
Tourette Syndrome
Ulcerative Colitis
Sickle Cell Anemia
Chronic Migraines
Patients must also have a medical condition that limits their ability to function or causes them chronic pain. To be eligible for medical marijuana, patients must obtain a recommendation from a licensed medical professional.
How Do I Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Ohio?
To get a medical marijuana card in Ohio, patients must get a recommendation from a doctor that is certified to recommend MMJ. The doctor then registers the patient with the Ohio Medical Marijuana Program which is currently controlled by the Board of Pharmacy (BoP). You will then pay a fee to the BoP to activate and download your MMJ card. Their card has a QR code on it, so when the dispensary workers scan their card they will need to see an active doctor’s recommendation and an active MMJ card registration.
Once the application is approved, the patient receives an Ohio medical marijuana card. This card allows them to buy medical marijuana from a licensed dispensary.
Types of Medical Marijuana Available in Ohio
There are a few ways one can consume medical marijuana in Ohio. Below we’ll discuss some of the most common medical marijuana forms.
Marijuana Oils
You make marijuana oils by extracting the cannabinoids from the cannabis plant using a solvent. The most common solvents used are ethanol, CO2, and butane. The extraction process is done using either low or high temperatures.
Low-temperature extractions preserve more of the plant’s terpenes, which are responsible for the plant’s flavor and smell. High-temperature extractions yield a more potent product.
Edibles
Edibles are cannabis-infused foods or drinks consumed for their medicinal effects. The most common method is to infuse butter or oil with cannabis and then use that butter infusion to make the food or drink.
Tinctures
Tinctures are alcohol-based extracts of cannabis that are taken orally or added to food or drink.
You make them by soaking cannabis in alcohol for a prescribed period of time and then straining it out. The cannabinoids extract from the plant material this way.
Topicals
Topicals are cannabis-infused creams, lotions, or ointments applied to the skin for the relief of pain or other symptoms. You make them by infusing cannabis into the cream, lotion, or ointment base.
Concentrates
Concentrates are cannabis extracts vaporized and inhaled using a vape pen or other vaporizing device.
You make them by extracting the cannabinoids from the cannabis plant using a solvent. This extraction process also uses either low or high temperatures.
Low-temperature extractions preserve more of the plant’s terpenes, which are responsible for the plant’s flavor and smell. High-temperature extractions yield a more potent product.
What THC Levels Are Allowed in OH Medical Marijuana Products?
The allowable THC level in OH medical marijuana products is 35%. This means that no product can contain more than 35% THC by weight for plant matter. Extracts have a higher percentage allowable of up to 70%.
Where Do I Buy Medical Marijuana in Ohio?
You must purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries in Ohio. Dispensaries must obtain a license from the Ohio Board of Pharmacy.
How Much Medical Marijuana Can I Have in Ohio?
Patients can only have a 90-day supply of medical marijuana at any given time. The amount of medical marijuana considered a 90-day supply itself depends on the product/ product strength that the patient chooses to consume
Can I Grow My Own Medical Marijuana in Ohio?
No, patients are not allowed to grow their own medical marijuana in Ohio. You must purchase all medical marijuana from a licensed Ohio dispensary.
Get a Medical Marijuana Card
If you want to learn more about getting a medical marijuana card in Ohio, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Releaf Health Clinic. Our team of experts walks you through the process of qualifying for a card and provides advice on the benefits and use of medical cannabis.
We understand that there is a lot of uncertainty around cannabis. Our goal is to provide patients with accurate information so they make informed decisions about their health.Have questions that still need answers? Schedule an appointment with us today to get the information you need.