Ohio allows people with certain medical conditions to apply for a medical marijuana card. Anxiety and depression can qualify, but patients need to meet specific criteria. Here’s what to know about getting a medical card for anxiety and depression in Ohio.
Qualifying medical conditions
– Ohio has a list of 21 qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card. These include Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, chronic pain, and more.
– While anxiety and depression are not automatically qualifying conditions, Ohio does allow medical marijuana cards for:
– Anxiety disorders
– Depression disorders
– So anxiety and depression may qualify if officially diagnosed as a disorder. Everyday anxiety or feeling depressed would likely not qualify on its own.
The approval process
To get approved for a medical marijuana card for anxiety or depression in Ohio:
– Get diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or clinical depression by a certified physician or psychiatrist
– Have the diagnosing physician fill out a recommendation form
– Submit an application with the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program that includes:
– The physician’s recommendation
– Proof of Ohio residency
– $50 application fee
– Your application will get reviewed by the Program. If approved, you’ll receive your medical marijuana card.
Once approved, the card enables you to legally purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries. You’ll have access to certain marijuana products, like oils and edibles. The card must be renewed yearly.
Note that Ohio has strict rules around qualifying conditions and application approval. Getting a card still requires going through the official process – a personal anxiety or depression diagnosis does not automatically qualify you.
Finding a certified physician
If you have anxiety or depression and think medical marijuana may help, the first step is getting an official diagnosis from a certified doctor.
Options for finding certified physicians include:
– Search the Medical Board’s registry of certified doctors
– Contact your primary care physician or mental health specialist
– Reach out to clinics specializing in medical marijuana approvals
– Search online directories of marijuana-certifying physicians
Be prepared to show documented symptoms, try other treatments first, and fully discuss your condition during appointments.
In summary
Ohio residents with diagnosed anxiety disorders or clinical depression can qualify for a medical marijuana card, which allows legal access to medical marijuana products from dispensaries. Qualifying still involves getting an official diagnosis and approval through Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Control Program application process. Those experiencing everyday anxiety or depression symptoms may have more difficulty qualifying without an official disorder diagnosis.