As the 24th state to legalize cannabis for adult use, many Ohio consumers are eager to start buying cannabis. However, recreational sales won’t start until late 2024 at the earliest. Until then, the only legal way to buy cannabis is with a medical marijuana card.

Even after adult-use sales start, there will be many benefits of having a medical card in Ohio. For instance, medical patients have access to a greater variety of safe, tested cannabis products. Plus, medical marijuana cardholders are provided greater legal protections, can shop at more locations, and tend to have higher purchase limits and lower taxes than recreational users.

Another factor is age. Recreational law in Ohio is for consumers 21 and older. On the other hand, patients under 21 can only access safe, legal cannabis with a medical marijuana card.

To get an Ohio medical marijuana card, consumers must meet certain state requirements. Let’s look at Ohio’s qualifying conditions, other patient requirements, and next steps you’ll need to take to get your Ohio medical card.

What Conditions Qualify Patients for a Med Card in Ohio?

The list of qualifying conditions for a med card in Ohio includes:

• AIDS

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

• Alzheimer’s Disease

• Cachexia

• Cancer, including remission therapy

• Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)

• Crohn’s Disease

• Epilepsy or another seizure disorder

• Fibromyalgia

• Glaucoma

• Hepatitis C

• Tourette Syndrome

• Huntington’s Disease

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Pain that is either chronic and severe or intractable

• Parkinson’s Disease

• Positive status for HIV

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Sickle Cell Anemia

• Spasticity

• Spinal cord disease or injury

• Terminal illness

• Traumatic brain injury

• Ulcerative colitis

Most patients typically qualify under chronic pain or PTSD. Additionally, the Ohio State Medical Board has an annual petition period where members can petition to add new qualifying conditions. In some cases, petitioned conditions may already be covered by an existing qualifying condition for a medical card in Ohio. For example, arthritis, chronic migraines, lupus, and other conditions already fall under “pain that is either chronic or intractable.”

Patient Requirements to Qualify for an Ohio Med Card

If you are interested in using medical cannabis in Ohio, you need to meet some basic criteria to qualify as a patient. 

First, you must be at least 18 years old to apply. If you are under 18, you need a guardian or caregiver who is over 21 to sign up for you. 

Next, you must live in Ohio legally. If you don’t have an Ohio residency, you can’t apply. 

Third, you’ll need a recommendation from a qualified physician. To obtain a med card, you must have a qualifying condition that a physician can verify and recommend medical marijuana for. The physician must have an Ohio license and be registered with the state’s Medical Marijuana Control program. 

You can find a list of certified physicians on the state’s online database. Or you can simplify the process and use [site name]. We’ll connect you with certified doctors who can help you get evaluated and recommend medical cannabis in Ohio.

After your evaluation, the physician will send their recommendation for you to complete your application with the state and get your medical marijuana card.

You Qualify for a Med Card in Ohio! What’s Next?

If you determine you qualify for a med card, the next step is to get an evaluation from a certified physician to start the official application process.

Find out how to get your medical marijuana card in Ohio.

What Medical Forms Do You Need to Bring to Your Ohio Physician Evaluation?

You may not need all of these documents, but it’s better to have them ready for your medical marijuana evaluation.

Bring the following forms and documents when you meet with your physician:

Ohio ID or Proof of Residence

As of June 2021, you can show any of these documents to prove your residence:

• Driver’s license or other state ID

• Birth certificate

• United States passport or United States passport card

• Consular report of birth abroad

• Certificate of naturalization

• Certificate of citizenship

• Permanent resident card

• I-797 Case Type of N-565

You also need to provide two forms that show your Ohio street address. These can be W-2 forms, paystubs, bills, deeds, rental/mortgage statements, and so on. There are many options. 

Medical Records

‍If you have them, bring any medical records that show your qualifying medical condition. These records can help the physician decide if you are eligible for an Ohio med card. 

Physician Recommendation

‍If you are a returning patient, keep the certification or recommendation from the certified Ohio medical professional who first evaluated your condition. The recommendation is essential to get medical cannabis access. 

Be prepared in advance with the above forms and information so you can easily take your first step toward getting medical cannabis.