Medical marijuana is now legal in Ohio for patients who have been diagnosed with qualifying medical conditions. In order to access medical marijuana, patients must first apply for a medical marijuana card through the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program (OMMCP). The process can seem daunting, but it is actually quite straightforward. This article will break down the Ohio medical marijuana card process step-by-step, so patients can understand what they need to do to access this potentially life-changing treatment.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
The first step in the Ohio medical marijuana card process is to confirm that you are eligible for the program. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be a resident of Ohio with a valid Ohio ID or driver’s license.
- You must be diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition. These conditions include AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, glaucoma, hepatitis C, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease, PTSD, sickle cell anemia, spinal cord disease or injury, Tourette’s syndrome, traumatic brain injury, and ulcerative colitis.
If you meet both of these criteria, you are eligible to apply for an Ohio medical marijuanas card.
Step 2: Find A Certified Physician
The next step in the process is to find a certified physician who can diagnose your medical condition and recommend medical marijuana as a treatment option. Only certified physicians are authorized to recommend medical marijuana in Ohio, so it is important to find one who is registered with the OMMCP.
To find a certified physician, you can search OMMCP’s physician database, which is available on their website. You can also ask a primary care physician for a referral to a certified physician who can recommend medical marijuana.
Step 3: Schedule An Appointment With A Certified Physician
Once you have found a certified physician, you will need to schedule an appointment to be evaluated for medical marijuana. During this appointment, the physician will evaluate your medical history, diagnose your medical condition, and determine whether medical marijuana is an appropriate treatment option for you.
If the physician decides that medical marijuana is a viable treatment option for your condition, they will issue a recommendation that you can use to apply for an Ohio medical marijuana card.
Step 4: Register With The OMMCP
After you have received a recommendation from a certified physician, you will need to register with the OMMCP. To do this, you will have to create an account on the OMMCP website and complete the registration process.
During the registration process, you will need to provide some personal information, including your name, address, and contact information. You will also need to upload a copy of your Ohio ID or driver’s license.
Step 5: Pay The Registration Fee
Once you complete the registration process, you will need to pay the registration fee. The fee for a one-year medical marijuana card is $50, while the fee for a two-year card is $100. The fee can be paid online through the OMMCP website using a credit or debit card.
Step 6: Wait For Your Medical Marijuana Card
After you have paid the registration fee, you will need to wait for your medical marijuana card to arrive in the mail. It can take up to thirty days for the OMMCP to process your application and issue your card.
Once you receive your card, you can purchase medical marijuana from a licensed dispensary in Ohio. It’s important to note that you must have your card with you at all times when purchasing or using medical marijuana, as it serves as proof of your eligibility for the program.
