A medical marijuana card in Ohio would provide patients with legal access to cannabis under qualifying medical conditions, but with some consequences. There are restrictions on employment, restrictions on driving or traveling with cannabis, possible housing problems, and federal legal issues. Before applying, a patient must know the benefits, as well as the responsibilities.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Ohio?
To get a Medical Marijuana Card in Ohio, you need to follow these steps.
1. Complete the Patient Questionnaire Form
Sign up at MMJ Medics to schedule an appointment with our Ohio-licensed marijuana doctors. On registration, we will require you to answer some questions in regards to your medical condition. This will not take much time. Then we will immediately match you with our Ohio medical marijuana card doctor network. On your MMJ Medics patient dashboard, you can just schedule an appointment time that best fits you.
2. Video Conference with Our Ohio Marijuana Doctor
We offer affordable online video consultations. Physical appointments are not necessary, and the appointment process often takes only 15 minutes. Our doctor will assess your medical condition online during your appointment and explain the risks and benefits of cannabis treatment that might be associated with it.
3. Get Your Ohio Medical Card
With your online certification, you can easily follow up with your application to the Ohio Medical Marijuana Program. After your application has been processed and approved, and you have paid the state fee, you will then be able to download your official Ohio medical card via the state government site.
Eligibility Requirements to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Ohio
1. Ohio Residency
Applicants need to be Ohio residents. Eligibility confirmation must be done by providing proof of residency through the production of a valid Ohio driver’s license or state-issued ID.
2. Minimum Age
- Adults: Must be 18 years or older
- Minors: Under the age of 18 years may be eligible with the approval of a parent or legal guardian, who must also be the caregiver of the patient
3. Diagnosis of Qualifying Medical Condition
To be qualified to apply, the applicant must have been diagnosed by a certified physician with one of the following qualifying conditions:
- Cancer
- Chronic Pain (severe, chronic, or intractable)
- Crohn’s Disease
- Epilepsy or Seizures
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis C
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Spinal Cord disease or trauma
- Tourette Syndrome
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Cachexia (Wasting Syndrome)
- Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
- Fibromyalgia
- Huntington’s Disease
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Terminal Illness
- Spasticity
- Arthritis
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Chronic Migraines
4. A Certified Physician Should Be Consulted
To recommend medical marijuana, applicants will need to book either an in-person or telemedicine appointment with a physician who is certified by the State Medical Board of Ohio. The doctor will evaluate the patient during the consultation and decide whether medical marijuana can be used to treat the patient.
Consequences of Getting a Medical Card in Ohio
Although it has several advantages, there are also pitfalls to obtaining a medical card in Ohio. Here are some of the impacts of obtaining a medical card in Ohio.
1. Employment Concerns
Sadly, an Ohio medical marijuana card will not protect you in the workplace.
Despite the legalization, employers in Ohio can create a zero-tolerance policy for workplace drug use. This leaves them able to either fire, discipline, or deny someone employment due to their use of cannabis, despite them having a medical card.
Medical marijuana does not have an exception in Ohio drug testing regulations. Employers may institute and implement drug testing policies, and a positive drug test of THC is just cause to terminate.
This is not just limited to the medical users, but includes recreational users. All users of cannabis are equally susceptible to issues in the workplace. Nevertheless, some employers would opt to be lenient toward medical marijuana users.
To be on the safe side, make sure that you are familiar with what your workplace policies entail.
2. Federal Restrictions
Marijuana is still illegal on the federal level. Consequently, due to this, your position as a cannabis patient may clash with certain federal legislation, and it would affect various advantages and activities. For example:
- Gun Ownership Rights: Federal law does not allow any weapons to be sold or owned by people who are illegal users of controlled substances, such as cannabis
- Federal Housing Assistance: You can be evicted or deprived of federally subsidized housing benefits due to using medical marijuana
- Federal Employment: Medical marijuana use may put a federal job or a job that requires a security clearance at risk
- Interstate Travel: The use of medical marijuana across state lines is prohibited despite the legal status of medical marijuana across states
However, even though there are privileges provided by state law, the federal law may still influence your life in many ways.
3. Financial Considerations
The Ohio medical marijuana card has costs associated with it. You need to include your consultation and your medicine.
Fortunately, this added cost is compensated for by the potential benefits of medical marijuana for qualifying conditions.
4. Privacy Concerns
Details regarding the Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry are not publicized and are confidential. But you are not 100% guaranteed of privacy.
On your Patient Registry, you can track your possession limit in your account. This is also to say that the Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry is keeping a record of your cannabis purchases.
5. Waiting Times
It is simple to apply to be provided with an Ohio medical marijuana card. Yet it is not as easy as grabbing your ID and walking to your local dispensary to get recreational marijuana.
First, you will have to make an appointment with a medical marijuana doctor. Next, given your eligibility, the doctor will develop your profile on the Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry. Then you have to verify your information and agree to the legal statement. MMJ Medics ensures this process is fast and hassle-free with convenient video appointments.
Conclusion
With a medical marijuana card in Ohio, patients can legally obtain cannabis to treat themselves, providing relief against certain medical conditions. But it is also accompanied by some responsibilities and restrictions, including employment restrictions, travel and driving restrictions, housing, and federal legal considerations. Being aware of these implications enables patients to make informed choices and use their medical card safely and within the law.
FAQs
1. Will my medical marijuana card have an impact on my insurance coverage?
Certain insurance companies might offer coverage that affects insurance in case of a medical marijuana patient, on employment, or disability claims.
2. Are there any limitations to the type of medical marijuana that I can use?
Yes. Ohio law controls the types of medical marijuana to be used, including oils, capsules, edibles, and vaporizable forms. There can also be other limitations to smoking in some places.
3. Will having a medical marijuana card have any effect on my ability to gain professional licenses?
Yes. Medical marijuana cardholder status may have an impact on certain professional licenses or certifications, particularly those involving safety-sensitive fields.
4. Does it have any restrictions due to age on cardholders?
Yes. Medical marijuana can only be accessed by patients under the age of 18 with the help of a designated caregiver. Young adults 18 years and above may apply directly.
