Medical Marijuana Q&A

On September 8th, 2016, House Bill 523 came into effect legalizing Medical Cannabis in Ohio. Cannabis can be recommended for 21 allowable Qualifying Conditions.

What is the history of Medical Cannabis?

The history of Medical Cannabis dates back to ancient times. Ancient physicians used it to treat pain and other ailments. It was introduced into Western Medicine in the 19th century for therapeutic use.

What are some advantages of using Medical Cannabis as treatment?

*Cannabis is safer than alcohol, which many people turn to for relief. *Prescriptions such as Vicodin, Valium and / QxyCotin are more addictive.

*Medical Cannabis helps control/reduce symptoms in diseases such as;

*Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Cancer and Parkinson’s.

*Medical Cannabis is a safe, natural and effective alternative in treating

Chronic Pain.

* Medical Cannabis can relieve nausea and vomiting associated with

Chemotherapy.

* Medical Cannabis can treat appetite loss in HIV/AIDS patients.

Will my insurance cover my Medical Cannabis appointments?

Insurance will not cover any Medical Cannabis related appointments.

Is Medical Cannabis considered to be a “gate way” drug?

The majority of people who use Medical Cannabis never progress to using any other Illicit drugs.

Are children eligible for Medical Cannabis?

Yes, with proper parental / guardian consent a Medical Cannabis Certified

Physician can recommend it for treatment.

Is Medical Cannabis a suitable treatment for children?

Medical Cannabis has had positive results in treating children with epilepsy,

reducing the frequency of seizures. Other benefits include; improved mood,

increased alertness and better sleep.

Is there anywhere to find more information on Medical Cannabis?

There is a toll-free help line for The Ohio Board of Pharmacy at

1-833-464-6627 or visit www.medicalCannabis.ohio.gov for patients,

caregivers and professionals.

What is Marinol and how does it differ from Cannabis?

Marinol is a synthetic form of one active ingredient found in Cannabis. Many

conditions respond better to a combination of the active ingredients found in

Natural Cannabis.

Is Cannabis addictive?

There is little documented evidence that it is addictive.

How do I get my Medical Cannabis Card?

You must have a diagnosis of one of the Qualifying Conditions
You must visit a Certified Medical Cannabis Physician
The Physician will create your profile in the Patient & Caregiver Registry
You receive an email to Confirm and Complete your Registration on the

Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program site in the Patient & Caregiver Registry to obtain your card.

Visit an approved Ohio Dispensary and purchase your Medical Cannabis

How soon can I get my Medical Cannabis once I get a recommendation?

As soon as the Approved Ohio Dispensaries are open for business. Please be aware that in the beginning months of Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Program, the growers and testers are in a start up phase and might have limited supplies at first. This might cause you a slight delay in getting your product. Please be patient as they make their adjustments.

What are the Qualifying Conditions for Medical Cannabis?

Patients must have one documented diagnosis from the following list;

* HIV/AIDS

* Alzheimer’s disease

* Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

* Cancer

* Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)

* Crohn’s disease

* Epilepsy or other seizure disorder

* Fibromyalgia

* Glaucoma

* Hepatitis C

* Inflammatory bowel disease IBS)

*Multiple Sclerosis

*Pain that is Chronic and Severe, or intractable

*Parkinson’s Disease

*Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

*Sickle Cell Anemia

*Spinal Cord Disease and Injury

*Tourette’s Syndrome

*Traumatic Brain Injury

*Ulcerative Colitis

What forms are approved in Ohio?

Oil, Tincture, Capsule and Edible forms for oral administrations.
Metered Oil or Solid forms for use in vaporization.
Patches for transdermal use or lotions, creams and ointments for topical applications.
Plant material for use with vaporization.

At no time is Medical Cannabis be heated in any way that it burns.

Is Recreational Cannabis legal in Ohio?

No.

How much Medical Cannabis can I purchase at one time?

A Patient and a Caregiver may collectively purchase a Ninety-day supply within a 90-day period. They may also be able to purchase no less than a whole day supply at a single time. A ninety-day supply may consist of multiple forms of Medical Cannabis, but the total ninety-day supply shall not exceed a ninety-day supply whether purchased as a single unit or in smaller amounts.

90 Day supply is defined as:

(1) Plant material:

(a) No more than eight ounces of tier I.

(b) No more than five and three-tenths ounces of tier II.

(2) No more than twenty-six and fifty-five-hundredths grams of THC content in transdermal patches, lotions, creams, or ointments for topical application.

(3) No more than nine and nine-tenths grams of THC content in oils, tinctures, capsules, or edible forms for oral administration.

(4) No more than fifty-three and one-tenths grams of THC content for Medical Cannabis Oil used for vaporization.

A patient who is diagnosed with a terminal illness and the patient's caregiver may collectively purchase, within a ninety-day period, no more than a ninety-day supply.

(1) Plant material:

(a) No more than ten ounces of tier I.

(b) No more than six and six-tenths ounces of tier II.

(2) No more than thirty-three and three-tenths grams of THC content in transdermal patches, lotions, creams, or ointments for topical application.

(3) No more than eleven and seven-tenths grams of THC content in oils, tinctures, capsules, or edible forms for oral administration.

(4) No more than sixty-five and seven-tenths grams of THC content in Medical Cannabis Oil used in vaporization.

Do I have to renew my Medical Cannabis card?

Yes, annually.

Does my employer have to accommodate me if I have a Medical Cannabis Card?

An employer may choose to accommodate an employee, but there is no regulation that the employer must do so.