Understanding Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals. While marijuana has long been known for its recreational use, recent studies have shown that it can be an effective treatment for a variety of medical conditions. Marijuana plants contain compounds known as cannabinoids, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to provide relief from symptoms.
Benefits of Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana can provide relief for a range of medical conditions, including chronic pain, cancer, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Crohn’s disease, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The cannabinoids in marijuana can alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and help to regulate mood, appetite, and sleep. The side effects of medical marijuana are generally milder than those of traditional pharmaceuticals, and patients often report feeling more comfortable using marijuana than other medications.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons that patients seek medical marijuana. Chronic pain can be caused by a range of medical conditions, including arthritis, fibromyalgia, and neuropathy. Marijuana can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, making it a particularly effective treatment for chronic pain.
Cancer
Medical marijuana can be used to alleviate the side effects of cancer treatments, including nausea and vomiting. Marijuana can also help to increase appetite and reduce pain, making it a valuable tool for cancer patients.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition that causes damage to the optic nerve and can lead to blindness. Marijuana can help to reduce intraocular pressure and protect the optic nerve, making it an effective treatment for glaucoma.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a neurological condition that can cause a range of symptoms, including muscle spasms, pain, and fatigue. Marijuana can help to reduce muscle spasms and alleviate pain, making it a valuable treatment for multiple sclerosis.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that can cause seizures. Medical marijuana has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in some patients.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the digestive system. Marijuana can help to reduce inflammation and alleviate the symptoms of Crohn’s disease.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a traumatic event. Marijuana can help to reduce anxiety and alleviate symptoms of PTSD.
Legalization of Medical Marijuana in Ohio
Medical marijuana was legalized in Ohio in 2016, but the program did not become fully operational until 2018. Under Ohio law, patients with one of 21 qualifying medical conditions can obtain a recommendation from a certified physician and register with the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program. Patients are then able to purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries.
Qualifying Medical Conditions
The qualifying medical conditions for medical marijuana in Ohio include:
- AIDS
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Cancer
- Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)
- Crohn’s disease
- Epilepsy or another seizure disorder
- Fibromyalgia
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis C
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Pain that is chronic, severe, and intractable
- Parkinson’s disease
- Positive status for HIV
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Sickle cell anemia
- Spinal cord disease or injury
- Tourette’s syndrome
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Ulcerative colitis
Certified Physicians
Patients in Ohio must obtain a recommendation from a certified physician to use medical marijuana. Certified physicians are licensed medical doctors who have completed a course on medical marijuana and have been approved by the State Medical Board of Ohio. Patients must have a bona fide relationship with their certified physician, meaning they have been treated by the physician for at least 90 days.
Registering with the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program
Once a patient has obtained a recommendation from a certified physician, they must register with the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program. Patients must provide proof of residency in Ohio, a copy of their recommendation from their certified physician, and a $50 registration fee. Once registered, patients are able to purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries.
Conclusion
Medical marijuana can provide relief for a range of medical conditions, and its legalization in Ohio has made it more accessible to patients who need it. Patients must obtain a recommendation from a certified physician and register with the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program, but once registered, they are able to purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries. If you are suffering from a qualifying medical condition, medical marijuana may be able to provide the relief you need.
