Although there are medical conditions that could potentially motivate someone to obtain their medical marijuana card, understanding what qualifies someone for one can be challenging. Imagine suffering from a condition like anxiety or insomnia, and not having access to medical marijuana even though you know it has the potential to improve your quality of life.
This is a predicament that many Ohioans find themselves in, which sadly restricts people to over-the-counter medications that can provide mixed results.
Fortunately, a recent bill proposed in the Ohio Senate seeks to make accessing medical marijuana easier by granting doctors the power to prescribe medical marijuana at their own professional discretion. That means they’ll be able to provide access to medical marijuana to whichever patients they feel would benefit from it.
Current Conditions That Grant Access to Medical Marijuana
It’s crucial for Ohioans interested in obtaining a medical marijuana card to understand the conditions that qualify patients for access to one. Chronic pain (lasting 12 weeks or more), migraines and arthritis are the most common conditions among Ohio cannabis patients.
The digestive conditions that qualify patients for medical marijuana include IBD and Crohn’s disease. Neurological disorders that allow patients access to medical marijuana include Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Tourrette’s Syndrome and Traumatic Brain Injury. Other conditions that grant Ohioans access to medical marijuana include:
Glaucoma
Fibromyalgia
Cancer
Hepatitis C
Huntington’s Disease
PTSD
Sickle Cell Anemia
Terminal Illness
Ulcerative Colitis
Although Ohio’s medical marijuana program has been able to provide relief to tens of thousands of residents, the changes to the program that would be implemented by the recent senate proposal is likely going to be able to broaden the program’s reach.
Details About The Latest Senate Proposal Regarding Medical Marijuana Approval
It’s no question that Ohio’s medical marijuana program is primed and ready for some upgrades. Republican State Senator Steve Huffman from Tipp City, Ohio introduced Senate Bill 261 earlier in November with the idea of starting the process of making improvements to the State’s Medical Marijuana program.
The passage of SB 261 would add Autism Disorder to the list of qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card. Additionally, the senate bill would allow doctors to recommend medical marijuana to any patient suffering from any condition they feel medical marijuana could help them with.
Along with furthering access to medical marijuana, SB 261 also permits the opening of additional retail dispensaries based on demand and patient need. The senate bill also contains an equity study which examines ways the state can further innovate the medical marijuana program. If passed, the bill which is currently in the senate committee could play a vital role in the success of the State’s medical marijuana program for years to come.
How This Senate Bill Could Make Medical Marijuana More Affordable For Patients
Even though medical marijuana is a highly effective option for people suffering from numerous medical conditions, many Ohioans who have access to medical marijuana never purchase it due to the price tag.
Senate bill 261 could be instrumental in helping patients overcome the barrier of price for numerous reasons. First is the fact that it provides two levels of cultivator licenses for medical marijuana production. Level one licenses allow for growing operations of up to 75,000 square feet while level two licenses grant permission for cultivators to use up to 20,000 square feet of space to use for marijuana production purposes.
More product being grown means that more products will be available for sale which lowers demand, and subsequently prices. Another way this senate bill could make medical marijuana more affordable if passed is because it proposes increasing the allowable number of dispensaries relative to the number of patients that are in the program. The proposal would allow a new dispensary to open per 1,000 qualified patients.
Currently the State’s medical marijuana program grows at a monthly rate of 5,000 to 10,000 new patients per month, it’s likely that the passage of the bill would lead to the rapid opening of multiple new retail dispensaries.
Make An Appointment to Get Approved For Medical Marijuana in Ohio Today
Changes in Ohio’s medical marijuana program could be on the horizon, but that doesn’t mean you should wait until then to find out if you’re qualified to use it to overcome your medical ailments. Since tens of thousands of Ohio residents have been able to improve their quality of life since it’s become legal in Ohio, there’s no reason why you can’t join them.
There are numerous resources available to help provide guidance on whether or not you’d be a good candidate for medical marijuana, too. To learn more about medical marijuana access in Ohio, our friendly representatives at Ohio Marijuana Card are available six days a week to answer questions.
All it takes to experience the relief of medical marijuana is a medical marijuana card that can be secured by making an appointment with a certified medical marijuana physician. Same day appointments are available, and you will be refunded the cost of your appointment if you are not approved for your card. To find out if you can start treating your ailments with medical marijuana, make an appointment with a licensed medical marijuana physician online at Ohio Marijuana Card today.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
Here at Ohio Marijuana Card, our goal is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at (866) 457-5559, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out Ohio Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Ohio.
Comments