Medical marijuana has been legal in Ohio since 2016, and thousands of patients across the state are now accessing medical marijuana products to treat a wide range of conditions. If you’re a new patient considering medical marijuana as a treatment option, it can be overwhelming to navigate the process of obtaining a medical marijuana card and purchasing products from licensed dispensaries. In this beginner’s guide to medical marijuana in Ohio, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Step 1: Determine If You Qualify For Medical Marijuana

The first step in obtaining medical marijuana Ohio is to determine if you qualify under the state’s qualifying medical conditions. Ohio law allows for medical marijuana to be used to treat variety of conditions, including:

• AIDS
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Cancer
• Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)
• Crohn’s disease
• Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
• Fibromyalgia
• Glaucoma
• Hepatitis C
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Sickle cell anemia
• Spinal cord disease or injury
• Tourette syndrome
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Ulcerative colitis

If you have one of these conditions and have not found relief from other treatments, medical marijuana may be viable treatment option for you. However, it’s important to note that a doctor must first certify that you have a qualifying medical condition before you can obtain a medical marijuana card.

Step 2: Obtain A Recommendation From A Certified Physician

Once you’ve determined that you have a qualifying medical condition, the next step is to obtain a recommendation from a certified physician. In Ohio, only physicians who have been certified by the state’s Medical Board can recommend medical marijuana to patients. You can find a list of certified physicians on the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program’s website.

To obtain a recommendation, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with a certified physician and bring your medical records with you to the appointment. During the appointment, the physician will review medical history and determine if medical marijuana is a viable treatment option for you. If the physician determines that you qualify, they will issue a recommendation that you can use to apply for a medical marijuana card.

Step 3: Apply For A Medical Marijuana Card

Once you have a recommendation from a certified physician, the next step is to apply for a medical marijuana card through the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program’s website. You’ll need to provide basic personal information, as well as a copy of your recommendation from a certified physician. There is also a $50 application fee, which can be waived for patients who demonstrate financial hardship.

Once your application has been approved, you’ll receive your medical marijuana card in the mail within a few weeks. This card allows you to purchase medical marijuana products from licensed dispensaries across the state.

Step 4: Purchase Medical Marijuana Products From A Licensed Dispensary

Once you have medical marijuana card, you can purchase medical marijuana products from licensed dispensary. Ohio has a limited number of licensed dispensaries, so it’s important to check the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program’s website to find a dispensary near you.

When you visit a dispensary, you’ll need to present your medical marijuana card and a valid photo ID. The dispensary will have a variety of products available, including dried flowers, edibles, tinctures, and more. The dispensary staff can help you choose the products that are best suited to your needs and provide guidance on dosing and consumption methods.

It’s important to note that medical marijuana products can vary in potency and effectiveness, so it’s important to start with low dose and slowly increase it as needed. It’s also important to follow the dispensary’s instructions for storage and use to ensure the products remain safe and effective.