Ohio has joined the growing number of states in the United States that have legalized medical marijuana. Ohio’s medical marijuana program started in 2016, but it took two years for the state to get everything in place to start issuing licenses to cultivators, processors, dispensaries, and testing labs. Since then, the program has grown rapidly, and today, Ohio has more than 300,000 registered medical marijuana patients. This article will explore the benefits of holding an Ohio medical marijuanas card.
What Is Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Program?
Ohio’s medical marijuana program allows individuals with qualifying medical conditions to use medical marijuana to alleviate their symptoms. The program is administered by the Ohio Department of Commerce, the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy, and the State Medical Board of Ohio. Patients who are interested in using medical marijuana must have a qualifying medical condition, such as cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy, Crohn’s disease, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among others. Patients must also obtain a recommendation from a physician who is certified by the state to recommend medical marijuana.
Once patients have obtained a recommendation, they must register with Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program. The registration process involves submitting an online application, paying a fee, and providing documentation that proves the patient’s identity and residency. Once approved, patients are issued a medical marijuana card, which they must present at dispensaries when purchasing medical marijuana products.
The Benefits Of Being An Ohio Medical Marijuana Cardholder
Access To A Wide Range Of Products
Ohio’s medical marijuana program allows patients to access a wide range of products, including flowers, edibles, tinctures, oils, patches, and topical creams. This variety of products allows patients to choose the form of medical marijuana that works best for their needs. For example, patients who prefer not to smoke can choose to use tinctures or edibles, while patients who need immediate relief may prefer smoking or vaping.
Safe And Regulated Access To Medical Marijuana
The most significant benefit of being an Ohio medical marijuana cardholder is that patients have safe and regulated access to medical marijuana. Ohio’s medical marijuana program has strict regulations in place to ensure that medical marijuana products are safe and free from harmful contaminants. All medical marijuana products must be lab-tested and labeled with information about the product’s potency and ingredients.
Additionally, all medical marijuana dispensaries in Ohio are licensed and regulated by the state. This means that patients can trust that the products they purchase are of high quality and safe for consumption.
Legal Protection
Another significant benefit of being an Ohio medical marijuana cardholder is legal protection. Ohio law allows patients with a medical marijuana card to possess up to a 90-day supply of medical marijuana. This means that patients are protected from criminal prosecution for the possession and use of medical marijuana.
Reduced Cost Of Medical Marijuana Products
Ohio’s medical marijuana program offers reduced costs to patients who demonstrate financial need. Qualifying patients can receive a 30% discount on medical marijuana products purchased from dispensaries. This can be a significant benefit for patients who rely on medical marijuana to manage their symptoms but cannot afford to pay full price for medical marijuana products.
Alternative Treatment Option
Ohio’s medical marijuana program provides patients with an alternative treatment option for their qualifying medical conditions. Many patients have found that medical marijuana is an effective treatment for their symptoms and can provide relief when traditional medications have failed.
Medical marijuana is effective in treating chronic pain, nausea, and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, muscle spasms associated with multiple sclerosis, and seizures associated with epilepsy, among other conditions.
Improved Quality Of Life
The most significant benefit of being an Ohio medical marijuana cardholder is the potential for improved quality of life. Medical marijuana has been shown to alleviate symptoms associated with many medical conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Patients who use medical marijuana may experience an improvement in their overall well-being and quality of life.
For example, a study found that medical marijuana use significantly reduced the severity of chronic pain symptoms in patients with chronic pain. Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that medical marijuana use was associated with a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety.
