How do I get a medical marijuana card in the state of Ohio?
Your diagnosis of a qualifying condition must be confirmed by a physician who has a “Certificate to Recommend”, with one of the medical conditions approved by the Ohio Medical Board. You must also prove who you are, where you reside, and pay an application fee.
To increase your chances of being approved for a medical marijuana recommendation, be sure to bring all requested information such as proof of identification, residency, and all your medical records. The specialists at Lakewood Medical will help you with the application and explain the process in full detail.
How do I know if my condition is eligible for medical marijuana in Ohio?
The State of Ohio Medical Board has approved twenty-two medical conditions for the use of medical marijuana. These conditions include AIDS, Cancer, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). For a complete list of approved medical conditions please visit the page titled “Do I Qualify?”.
How much does a medical marijuana card/Registration identification card cost in Ohio?
Medical marijuana dispensaries are regulated by the Ohio Board of Pharmacy, therefore they also set the price of the actual medical marijuana recommendation, also known as the registry identification card. You will pay this fee on the patient portal once we have entered your information into it as a qualifying patient. The price is currently set at $50 a year for patients and their caregivers. The cost of the medical marijuana card for veterans and patients who are destitute is discounted by 50% to make the yearly cost $25.
For terminally ill patients, the card expires after six months, but can be renewed if necessary.
Does Insurance Cover medical marijuana in Ohio?
Unfortunately, at this time, NO insurance plans cover the medical marijuana program.
What is a caregiver’s role?
Each patient that is registered for a medical marijuana recommendation in Ohio can have two caregivers, which are allowed to buy, possess, deliver, and administer the medical marijuana to the patient. The caregivers are also required to register with the State Board of Pharmacy, and there is an additional $25 fee per caregiver.
Who will know I have a medical marijuana card?
Under the HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) law – the only people who will know you have a medical marijuana card will be your doctors and their staff, the dispensary, the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy, caregivers and anyone else you choose to tell. Your privacy is respected.
Where will I be able to get my medical marijuana products?
Ohio has approved 57 dispensaries spread out across the state, and recently announced that they will be adding 73 more (to be announced).
Can I grow my own marijuana for medical use?
No, growing your own medical marijuana is considered illegal and punishable under Ohio law.
How much will my medical marijuana products cost?
Each dispensary is allowed to set the price for their products. Almost all of the dispensaries have a menu listed online that also includes their prices.
How much medical marijuana can I buy at a time?
The caps on the amount of medical marijuana products is controlled by the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program and is based on a 90-day period. For example, an edible may not contain as much cannabis as a flower bud used for vaping. The state of Ohio has a very strict list of products and the amounts which can be found here
Ohio Administrative Rule 3796:8-2-04. The dispensary staff will be able to help you, as the rules can be confusing.
What types of medical marijuana will I be able to purchase?
Each dispensary carries some variation of the same products. You should expect to be able to purchase the following: marijuana plant material, flowers and oil for vaping, edibles, and topicals. For those of you who are unfamiliar with vaping (vaporizing), this is the legal way of inhaling the medical marijuana. There are several vaporizing units to choose from. Each one allows the cannabis to enter your system without the toxins associated with smoking marijuana for recreational purposes. Therefore, vaping is considered safe for your lungs and respiratory system while proving the same benefits.
Edibles are another popular choice for medical marijuana users. The taste of the marijuana is masked by the edibles, which come as assorted baked goods and candies. You can also purchase sprays and lozenges with the medicinal marijuana properties.
If you are not comfortable ingesting the medical marijuana, you have other options such as topical solutions like a cream, lotion, ointment, or other method of use.
Will the dispensary deliver the medical marijuana to my home?
No. However, you are allowed two caregivers to assist you.
Does Insurance Cover Medical Marijuana in Ohio?
At this time, NO insurance plans cover the medical marijuana program.
What is a caregiver’s role?
Each patient that is registered for a medical marijuana recommendation in Ohio can have two caregivers, which are allowed to buy, possess, deliver, and administer the medical marijuana to the patient. The caregivers are also required to register with the State Board of Pharmacy and pay a $25 fee.
Can I be fired from my job if I fail a drug test?
Yes, employers retain the right to suspend or fire employees who test positive for marijuana. However, the state of Ohio has left this decision to the discretion of the employers. Employers also have the right to refuse employment to anyone using medical marijuana.
Is a medical marijuana recommendation available to minors?
Yes, regardless of age, an individual who suffers from one or more of the twenty-one eligible conditions outlined by the Ohio Medical Board can be registered by a parent or legal guardian for a medical marijuana recommendation. They must follow the same procedure as adults in obtaining a recommendation and follow all the same rules and regulations, which the parent or legal guardian is responsible for.
Can I use my Ohio medical marijuana recommendation in another state?
No, not at this time.
