In the past, marijuana was seen as nothing more than a recreational drug. Now, studies have shown that, when used medicinally, marijuana can help people fight several medical ailments.
While medical marijuana is more popular than ever before, every state has its own regulations concerning which ailments qualify for medicinal marijuana use. Therefore, it’s important to identify who can use medical marijuana in each state individually. Today, we will determine who can use medical marijuana in Ohio.
Those Who Qualify for Medical Marijuana in Ohio
At this point in time, medical marijuana only applies to 21 qualifying conditions in Ohio.
The 21 qualifying ailments include:
- Cancer;
- PTSD;
- traumatic brain injury;
- chronic or severe pain;
- CTE;
- Parkinson's;
- Alzheimer's;
- HIV/AIDS;
- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis;
- Crohn’s disease;
- epilepsy/seizure disorder;
- fibromyalgia;
- glaucoma;
- hepatitis C;
- inflammatory bowel disease;
- multiple sclerosis;
- sickle cell anemia;
- spinal cord disease or injury;
- Tourette’s; and
- ulcerative colitis.
However, obtaining medicinal marijuana is not as simple as having one of these ailments. In order to obtain medicinal cannabis, the sufferer must find an approved doctor who legally prescribes medicinal marijuana to his or her patients.
Once a patient obtains medicinal marijuana, there are a couple of rules he or she should know.
Rules Medicinal Marijuana Patients Should Know
Those with qualifying ailments must register to obtain their medical marijuana license. Once someone registers, they will obtain a registry card and photo ID, which they must have on them when purchasing cannabis at a licensed Ohio dispensary. The card and the photo ID are only valid for a year and must be renewed once the year is up.
Legal Amounts & Possession
Patients and caregivers can only possess up to a 90-day supply of medical marijuana at a time. Therefore, if a patient purchases a 30-day supply, he or she could only buy a 60-day supply until 90 days after the initial purchase.
Cultivation
Only state-registered places can cultivate and sell marijuana. Therefore, those who can legally use medical marijuana cannot grow their own marijuana, and they cannot sell their stash to others.
Only Certain Products Allowed
State laws only permit medicinal cannabis in a form that can be vaporized. Igniting or combusting medicinal marijuana using a flame is illegal, as well as using tinctures, topicals, ointments, or oils. Therefore, medicinal marijuana patients can only use cannabis that can be vaporized.
Driving After Using Is Illegal
If a patient drives a vehicle after using, he or she could be arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) of marijuana. However, marijuana-related DUIs are difficult to prove, so if you’ve been accused, you should talk to a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney.
Using on Federal Lands Is Illegal
Marijuana is still federally illegal, which means police can arrest you if you’re found using on federal lands. Therefore, you shouldn’t use medicinal marijuana in national parks or on other federal properties.
History of Criminal Activity
A history of criminal activity can impact someone’s ability to purchase and use medicinal marijuana. Therefore, if you have a qualifying condition and a criminal record, it’s a good idea to talk to a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to see if you are eligible or can be eligible for medical marijuana.
Looking to Sell Medical Marijuana?
If you are looking to sell medical marijuana, or if you have a criminal record and want to buy medical marijuana, The Meranda Law Firm may be able to help. Our firm has helped clients open up dispensaries, and has also helped clients obtain medicinal marijuana licenses for personal use.
Call (614) 707-4239 now for a free consultation for your case.