Do I Qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card?

In 2016 the state of Ohio joined the other 28 states that have legalized the use of medical marijuana as an alternative holistic treatment. Ohio has selected twenty-one specific medical conditions that medical marijuana can be used for, Lakewood Medicals’ goal is to help patients ease their symptoms and remove the stigma that comes with the use of cannabis. Many patients are fearful of the judgment of health care providers and even members of their community. At Lakewood Medical the physicians and staff members are understanding and nonjudgmental. These specialists will do what is in the best interest of their patients.

What medical conditions qualify for medical marijuana in Ohio?

• AIDS
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Cancer
• Chronic Pain (that lasts for more than 12 weeks) there are several conditions that can result in chronic pain – therefore, chronic pain is an umbrella term used for medical conditions that may not appear on the list of twenty-one conditions, which also includes pain from accidents.
• Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
• Crohn’s Disease
• Epilepsy, as well as, other seizure disorders
• Fibromyalgia
• Glaucoma
• Hepatitis C
• HIV
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Intractable Pain
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Sickle Cell Anemia
• Spinal Cord Disease or Injury
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Tourette Syndrome
• Ulcerative Colitis

I have one of the approved medical conditions what do I do now?

Your first step is to call Lakewood Medical to schedule an appointment for an evaluation with one of our attentive, certified doctors. At the time you schedule your appointment, an electronic request for a release of your medical records will be sent to you. Once you sign this form, your medical records will be retrieved from your primary care physician. Your past medical history and treatments will give your Lakewood Medical physician a comprehensive understanding of your condition and treatment options at your first visit. Walk-in appointments are welcomed. However, in order to create the most meaningful experience, patients will need to bring copies of their medical records. Patients with their medical records that walk-in without a scheduled appointment will be seen as soon as a physician is available and their medical information are entered into the system. All patients must bring proof of identification with either a driver’s license or passport. Your physician at Lakewood Medical performs an examination and evaluation, and once your qualifying diagnosis is confirmed and it is determined that you will benefit from the use of medical marijuana, Lakewood Medical staff will help you begin the process of obtaining your medical marijuana recommendation. In addition, Lakewood Medical staff and physicians will explain the possible risks and benefits associated with the use of medical marijuana. Your treatment options recommended medical marijuana strains, and their dosages will be presented to you. Once you consent to treatment with medical marijuana, Lakewood Medical staff will begin the process of confirming your qualifying condition and entering your information into the patient registry.

Now, that I qualify for an Ohio medical marijuana recommendation how do I get one?

Adults and caregivers over the age of 18 who consent to treatment with medical marijuana must present the Lakewood Medical Clinic recommending physician with an unexpired United States passport, United States passport card, state-issued driver’s license; or other state-issued identification issued by the Ohio Bureau of motor vehicles (BMV). Patients and caregivers will have their Certificate to Recommend physician submit a complete patient registration submission into the registry established by the State Board of Pharmacy via the Ohio Medical Marijuana patient portal confirming your qualifying condition. You will then be able to log into the Ohio patient registry to remit payment to the State Board of Pharmacy of the State required fee. At that time, you will then be able to complete and print your recommendation for presentation at an Ohio dispensary. Minors will need their physician to fill out the registration paperwork, while a parent or a legal guardian will also have to file a caregiver registration form. A birth certificate is generally used to show proof of identification. Ohio medical marijuana laws allow for a 90-day supply of cannabis at a time. Every three months, you will need to return for evaluation. At follow-up appointments, you will review the last three months of therapy with your doctor, who can then make adjustments to your cannabis dosage and/or mode of administration. We encourage you to log your reaction to marijuana therapy between appointments so we can accurately optimize your treatment. Your response to treatment will be documented in your electronic medical record (EMR) and, with your consent, will be shared with your other treatment providers to optimally coordinate your care. The information that will be entered into the Registry is the following:

• Patient full name
• Residential address
• Telephone number
• Date of birth
• Electronic mail address
• Qualifying condition(s)
• Patient’s government-issued identification number (such as driver’s license number). Patients and caregivers must present a recommending physician with an unexpired United States passport, United States passport card, state-issued driver’s license; or other state-issued identification issued by the Ohio bureau of motor vehicles (BMV)
• Recommending physician’s full name (first name and last name)
• Drug enforcement administration physician identification number and medical license number issued by the state medical board
• Recommending physician’s certificate to recommend identification number issued by the state medical board
• Date recommendation was issued by the recommending physician
• Recommending physician’s business address, telephone number, and email address
• Indication whether the recommendation is new or a renewal

A patient registration is valid from the date of issuance and expires one year later. The state board of pharmacy shall send a notification to each patient forty-five calendar days before the expiration date on the patient’s registry identification card. To maintain a valid patient registration, a patient must annually renew before the expiration date stated on the patient’s registry identification. Renewal submissions, fees, and required documentation may be submitted up to thirty calendar days before the registration will expire. Failure to renew a patient registration will result in an automatic suspension.  

What does an Ohio medical marijuana card look like?

An Ohio medical marijuana “card” is actually going to be a document that you print from the Ohio Medical Marijuana patient portal. Once you qualify for medicinal marijuana, you will be entered into the patient registry where you will complete and print the patient recommendation certification. Ohio is actively finalizing the protocol for patients to receive medical marijuana certification in compliance with Ohio law.

I have my medical marijuana recommendation, now what?

Once you have your medical marijuana recommendation, the Lakewood Medical staff will educate you regarding medical marijuana strains, starting doses, and options for modes of administration that may help your symptoms. Patients have several administration options including the following: vaping (smoking is illegal), topical creams, oils, edibles, tinctures, or a combination of administrations. Patients will also be informed about what to expect so you are prepared for the effects, both positive and any possible negative ones.

Where do I get my medical marijuana products?

There are 57 approved dispensaries in Ohio. Your medical marijuana recommendation can be used at any of these Ohio approved dispensaries.

How often do I have to visit my doctor?

Ohio law requires patients to visit their medical marijuana prescribing physician every three months for an evaluation. As Ohio law only allows a 90-day supply of medical marijuana to be purchased at a time. During your follow-up visits, you will discuss the previous 3 months and your physician will be able to make any necessary adjustments to your dosage. It is important that you always keep your appointments to make sure your current treatment plan is working in your best interests.

Are there any other rules I must follow with my medical marijuana card?

You cannot use medical marijuana in public, yes, that includes eating baked goods and candy. If you go on vacation you may not take your medical marijuana products with you. You may not use your recommendation in any other state, nor can you use a recommendation from another state in Ohio. Ohio medical marijuana rules are strict. It is advisable that you always carry your medical marijuana recommendation with you because if you get pulled over by the police while traveling with your medical marijuana, you will need to present the confirmation that you are a registered medical marijuana patient to the officer to avoid legal consequences. After you have been approved for an Ohio medical marijuana recommendation, the staff at Lakewood Medical will go over all the do’s and don’ts with you and help you understand them. If you have questions we are always happy to answer – so ask.