Disclaimer: In this article, we promote an online service called Veriheal. While this is a paid partnership, we never promote products we don't believe in. Cannabis is not legal recreationally in Ohio (yet). However, the state is one of many with legal marijuana available for qualified medical patients. If you’re wondering how to get a medical marijuana card in Ohio, read on.
Who can get a medical marijuana card in Ohio?
If you’re 18 or older, you are eligible for a MMJ card so long as you have a qualifying condition backed by a doctor’s recommendation. People under the age of 18 may still qualify, though they will need their parent or guardian to apply on their behalf and act as their designated caregiver.
Step 1. Find a certified doctor
The first thing you’ll need to do is find a doctor qualified to give a medical marijuana recommendation. Telehealth appointments are preferred right now as a response to the coronavirus. Virtual appointments cover all the same points as an in-person consultation but are much more convenient and can be done from any location with internet access. Online services like Veriheal, are made to make the process of getting an MMJ card seamless. Through their simple platform, you schedule an appointment and connect remotely with a board-certified physician, guaranteed an approval or your money back. That being said, if you would prefer to speak to someone in person, do not waste your time going to just any doctor. Check out this handy list of certified doctors before setting up an appointment.
Step 2. Set up a consultation
Once you’ve found a licensed physician, you can set up an appointment to verify your qualifications. The doctor will confirm that you have a qualifying medical condition. According to the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program, these include:
- AIDS
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Alzheimer’s
- Cancer
- Chronic traumatic encephalopathy
- Crohn’s
- Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
- Fibromyalgia
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis C
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Chronic, severe or intractable pain
- Parkinson’s
- Positive HIV status
- PTSD
- Sickle cell anemia
- Spinal cord disease or injury
- Tourette syndrome
- Traumatic brain injury
- Ulcerative colitis.
The doctor will check your records, discuss what you can expect from medical marijuana, and go over any questions you may have. Be sure to bring proof of residency, a valid identification card, and any other supplemental information your doctor may need. If you have medical records to back up your history with a specific condition, it’s a good idea to bring them along.
Step 3. Wait for the email
If your doctor agrees that a medical marijuana card would be beneficial, they will sign a recommendation and submit it to the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy. Patients will then receive an email from the board once it’s been approved. The subject line will read “Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry User Activation” and the email will come from a “no-reply-pmpaware” address. From there, patients will submit a $50 registration fee. After payment is received, patients can set up an account in the registry and download their official marijuana card, typically within 72 hours.
Step 4. Maintain your marijuana card with the yearly $50 fee
Once you’ve made it to this step, you’re good to go. Just be sure to bring your valid medical marijuana card with you when you visit a medical marijuana dispensary. To maintain a valid marijuana card, the $50 fee will need to be paid every year. Overall, the process is not too difficult or costly. Do keep in mind that you will probably have to pay more than $50 to obtain your medical marijuana card in Ohio. The price of individual consultations may vary.