Ohio Medical Marijuana Program Overview
Ohio's Medical Marijuana Program, regulated by the Division of Cannabis Control (DCC) under the Ohio Department of Commerce, allows residents with qualifying medical conditions to legally access medical cannabis. MMJ.com offers eligibility assessments, secure telemedicine evaluations, and application assistance.
Qualifying Medical Conditions (Ohio Revised Code 3796.01)
Ohio patients must obtain certification from a licensed healthcare provider for one or more of the following qualifying conditions as defined by Ohio Revised Code Section 3796.01:
- AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Cancer
- Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
- Crohn's Disease
- Epilepsy or Seizure Disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis C
- HIV Positive Status
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Chronic, Severe, or Intractable Pain
- Parkinson's Disease
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Spinal Cord Disease or Injury
- Tourette's Syndrome
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Any condition added by the State Medical Board under ORC 4731.302
Program Details
- Patient Enrollment: Over 150,000 active patients are enrolled in Ohio's medical marijuana program
- Dispensary Access: State-licensed dispensaries
- State Registration Fee: $0 (FREE)
- Home Cultivation: Not permitted
MMJ.com Services
- Eligibility Verification: Evaluation of patient medical history and documentation
- Telehealth Evaluations: Secure telemedicine consultations with licensed Ohio healthcare providers
- Application Assistance: Support throughout the registration process
About the Qualifying Medical Conditions
Below is information about each qualifying condition and the research that informed Ohio's decision to include it in the state program per Ohio Revised Code 3796.01.
Chronic, Severe, or Intractable Pain
Chronic pain is an approved qualifying condition under Ohio's medical marijuana program per ORC 3796.01. Ohio included this condition based on systematic reviews examining cannabinoid use among patients with chronic pain conditions. (Whiting et al., JAMA 2015)
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is an approved qualifying condition under Ohio's medical marijuana program per ORC 3796.01. Ohio included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among fibromyalgia patients. (Fitzcharles et al., Arthritis Care Res 2016)
Epilepsy or Seizure Disorders
Seizure disorders, including epilepsy, are approved qualifying conditions under Ohio's medical marijuana program per ORC 3796.01. Ohio included these conditions based on clinical trial research examining CBD in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy. (Devinsky et al., NEJM 2017)
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
MS is an approved qualifying condition under Ohio's medical marijuana program per ORC 3796.01. Ohio included this condition based on clinical research examining cannabinoid use in patients with MS-related spasticity. (Zajicek et al., J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2012)
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's Disease is an approved qualifying condition under Ohio's medical marijuana program per ORC 3796.01. Ohio included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among Parkinson's patients. (Lotan et al., Clin Neuropharmacol 2014)
ALS
ALS is an approved qualifying condition under Ohio's medical marijuana program per ORC 3796.01. Ohio included this condition based on research surveying ALS patients about symptom management. (Carter et al., Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2010)
PTSD
PTSD is an approved qualifying condition under Ohio's medical marijuana program per ORC 3796.01. Ohio included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among patients with PTSD. (Roitman et al., J Clin Psychopharmacol 2014)
Cancer
Cancer is an approved qualifying condition under Ohio's medical marijuana program per ORC 3796.01. Ohio included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among cancer patients experiencing treatment-related symptoms. (Whiting et al., JAMA 2015)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis
IBD, Crohn's Disease, and Ulcerative Colitis are approved qualifying conditions under Ohio's medical marijuana program per ORC 3796.01. Ohio included these conditions based on clinical research examining cannabis use in IBD patients. (Naftali et al., Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013)
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
CTE is an approved qualifying condition under Ohio's medical marijuana program per ORC 3796.01 as determined by the State Medical Board of Ohio.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBI is an approved qualifying condition under Ohio's medical marijuana program per ORC 3796.01 as determined by the State Medical Board of Ohio.
Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle Cell Anemia is an approved qualifying condition under Ohio's medical marijuana program per ORC 3796.01. Ohio included this condition based on research examining cannabis use among sickle cell patients. (Abrams et al., Blood Adv 2020)
Tourette's Syndrome
Tourette's Syndrome is an approved qualifying condition under Ohio's medical marijuana program per ORC 3796.01. Ohio included this condition based on research examining THC use in patients with Tourette's. (Muller-Vahl et al., Pharmacopsychiatry 2003)
AIDS/HIV
AIDS and HIV positive status are approved qualifying conditions under Ohio's medical marijuana program per ORC 3796.01. Ohio included these conditions based on research examining cannabinoid use among HIV/AIDS patients. (Woolridge et al., J Pain Symptom Manage 2005)
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is an approved qualifying condition under Ohio's medical marijuana program per ORC 3796.01. Ohio included this condition based on research examining cannabis use among patients undergoing antiviral treatment. (Sylvestre et al., Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2006)
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an approved qualifying condition under Ohio's medical marijuana program per ORC 3796.01. Ohio included this condition based on early research examining the relationship between cannabinoids and intraocular pressure. (Hepler & Frank, JAMA 1971)
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease is an approved qualifying condition under Ohio's medical marijuana program per ORC 3796.01. Ohio included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use in dementia patients. (Woodward et al., J Alzheimers Dis 2014)
Spinal Cord Disease or Injury
Spinal cord disease or injury is an approved qualifying condition under Ohio's medical marijuana program per ORC 3796.01 as determined by the State Medical Board of Ohio.
Petition Process for Additional Conditions
- Submitting Petitions: Ohio residents can petition the State Medical Board under ORC 4731.302 to recognize additional qualifying conditions. Petitions must include medical documentation and scientific research.
- Review Timeline: Petitions receive review based on scientific validation and expert evaluations.
Special Patient Categories
Caregivers
- Eligibility: Must be at least 21 years old, complete background checks, and register with the program
- Responsibilities: Support patients with medical cannabis procurement
Pediatric Patients
- Requirements: Certifications from two licensed healthcare providers plus consent from a parent or guardian
- Support: MMJ.com provides guidance for families managing pediatric medical cannabis treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the timeframe for medical cannabis certification in Ohio? Typically, registration is processed within days following physician certification.
Can out-of-state patients access Ohio's medical cannabis program? No, Ohio's medical cannabis program is limited exclusively to state residents.
Is home cultivation permitted in Ohio? Home cultivation is currently prohibited. Patients must obtain medical cannabis through licensed dispensaries.
Is there a state fee for Ohio's medical marijuana card? No, Ohio has eliminated the state registration fee for patients.
Medical Disclaimer
This page provides information about Ohio's qualifying conditions for medical cannabis per Ohio Revised Code 3796.01. The inclusion of a condition in Ohio's program does not constitute medical advice or a guarantee of therapeutic benefit. Individual results vary. Potential side effects may include dizziness, sedation, and cognitive changes. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting treatment.
