The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program (OMMCP) was established to provide patients with qualifying medical conditions access to medical marijuana as a legal treatment option.
This guide will walk you through the entire process, ensuring you have all the information you need to obtain your medical marijuana card and access legal medical marijuana in Ohio.
Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Ohio
To start, it’s essential to determine if you qualify for medical marijuana in Ohio. The state recognizes 25 medical conditions for eligibility:
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- AIDS
- Cachexia (Wasting Syndrome)
- Cancer
- Chronic Pain (Severe/Intractable), including but not limited to:
- Chronic Migraines
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
- Arthritis
- Crohn’s Disease
- Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
- Epilepsy (Seizures)
- Fibromyalgia
- Glaucoma
- HIV
- Hepatitis C
- Huntington’s Disease
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Spasticity
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Terminal Illness
- Tourette Syndrome
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Ulcerative Colitis
Confirming your eligibility allows you to move forward confidently with obtaining your cannabis card.
Step 1: Obtain a Recommendation from a Certified Physician in Ohio
The first step in the application process is to get a recommendation from a physician certified by the State Medical Board of Ohio.
- Schedule an Appointment: Find a certified cannabis doctor to recommend medical marijuana.
- Attend the Evaluation: Your physician will conduct a comprehensive examination and will review your medical history, and ensure you meet the criteria of qualifying conditions.
- Receive Your Recommendation: If you qualify, the physician will create your profile in the Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry and submit the recommendation.
This step ensures that your physician understands your medical history and current condition, increasing the likelihood of a successful recommendation.
For more detailed information on how to find a certified physician and navigate the recommendation process, check out our guide to obtaining a mmj card in Ohio.
Step 2: Complete or Activate Your MMJ Card Application on Ohio MMJ Registry
Once your physician has submitted your recommendation, you’ll need to complete your ohio marijuana registry.
- Check Your Email: First, you have to look for an email from the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program in your inbox or spam/junk folder. This email includes a link to complete your registration within 90 days.
- Contact Support if Necessary: If you can’t find the email, contact the MMR Administrator at MMCPRegistry@com.ohio.gov.
- Click the Activation Link: Follow the link in the email to set up a password for your account.
- Create a Secure Password: Your password must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum of eight characters
- At least one uppercase letter
- At least one lowercase letter
- At least one special character (e.g., @ # $ % ^ & *)
- Maximum of 255 characters
- Save Your Password: Input your desired password in both the “Password” and “Password Confirmation” fields and click “Save Password.”
- Sign In: Enter your email and password to log in to your account.
- Set Your Timezone: Select your preferred time zone from the dropdown menu and click “Save Preferences.”
- Navigate to the Registry Home Page: Go to the “Registry Details” section and click on the “Card” tab.
- Activate Your Card: Click on “ACTIVATE CARD” and read the legal statements.
- Accept the Legal Statements: Once you understand and agree to the terms, click “ACCEPT.”
- Complete Activation: You will be directed to the Summary page. Click “Continue” to finalize the activation. A message confirming the activation will appear.
Once these steps are completed, your Ohio MMJ card will be active and available in the “Registry Details” section under the “Card” tab. You can download or print a physical copy for use at dispensaries.
Required Documents for Ohio Marijuana Registration
You will need to provide proof of Ohio residency to complete your registration. Acceptable forms of identification include:
- Ohio driver’s license
- Ohio ID card issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV)
- Any other form of ID approved by the Board of Pharmacy
Having the correct documents ready will streamline the registration process and prevent any unnecessary delays.
Using Your Medical Marijuana Card
With your medical card, you can legally purchase and use medical marijuana from state-licensed dispensaries. Here’s what you need to know:
- Product Variety: Dispensaries offer a range of products, including oils, tinctures, edibles, and plant material.
- Legal Purchase: Always bring your medical marijuana card and a valid ID when visiting dispensaries.
Knowing what to expect ensures a smooth experience when you visit a dispensary for the first time.
Renewal Process: Keep Your Access Current
Your medical marijuana card is valid for one year. To renew:
- Obtain a New Recommendation: Schedule an appointment with your certified physician for a new recommendation.
- Verify Your Information: Update your details in the Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry.
- Pay the Annual Fee: Ensure timely payment of the annual registration fee to avoid any lapse in access.
You can find more detailed information on the renewal steps on our Ohio Medical Marijuana Card Renewal page.
Staying on top of your renewal prevents any interruption in your ability to purchase and use medical marijuana.
Contact Information and Resources
For assistance, contact the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program:
- Phone: 1-833-4OH-MMCP (1-833-464-6627)
- Email: MMCPRegistry@pharmacy.ohio.gov
- Mailing Address: State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy MMCP Registry Department c/o Mail Services 30 E. Broad St., B-1 Columbus, OH 43215
- Contact Form: MMCP Contact Form
- Website: Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program
Unique Insights and Additional Information About OMMCP
- Veterans and Indigent Patient Discounts: Ohio offers reduced fees for veterans and indigent patients. Submit the necessary documentation to qualify for these discounts.
- Telemedicine Options: Many certified physicians offer telemedicine consultations, allowing you to receive your recommendation remotely, which is especially useful for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas.
- Annual Condition Review: Stay informed about the annual review process for adding new qualifying conditions. Participate in petitions if you believe your condition should be included.
- Patient Support Services: Utilize patient support services provided by organizations like Ohio Marijuana Card, which offer guidance and assistance throughout the registration process.