In September 2016, a comprehensive bill (Ohio HB 523) was signed into law, legalizing medical marijuana in Ohio. This bill allows patients suffering from one of 21 qualifying conditions approved by the State Medical Board to possess, purchase, and transport medical marijuana. Though the law forbids smoking the plant, patients are granted access to cannabis flower and oils for vaporizing, tinctures, and edibles for oral delivery, as well as lotions and creams for topical treatments.

Patients must receive a recommendation from a state-certified medical marijuana doctor. After this recommendation, qualified patients receive a medical marijuana card from the Ohio Board of Pharmacy. This card allows patients access to dispensaries and products throughout the state.

In order to qualify for a medical marijuana card, patients must have one of the following medical conditions: chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder, cancer, glaucoma, fibromyalgia, Crohn’s disease, intractable pain, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), epilepsy (or other seizure disorders), hepatitis C, AIDS and HIV, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, Alzheimer’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord disease or injury, ulcerative colitis, traumatic brain injury, sickle cell anemia, and Tourette syndrome. The State Medical Board has also allowed the door to remain open for adding more qualifying conditions in future reviews.

“Cannabis already provides a vast array of health benefits for people suffering from chronic pain, PTSD, cancer, and fibromyalgia, just to name a few,” says Connor Shore, president of Ohio Marijuana Card. “Researchers have only begun to scratch the surface for what medical marijuana can do for patients.”

Now that the program is up and running, with dispensaries opening soon, many prospective patients have been wondering how and where to obtain their marijuana card, and where to find both doctors and dispensaries.

Ohio Marijuana Card helps make the connection, with a process designed to be both easy and affordable. Its staff sets up appointments with state-certified medical marijuana doctors located across the state—with four locations in Northeast Ohio and future offices opening soon.

The team walks patients through the entire process, from obtaining medical records to locating the nearest dispensary. Follow-up phone appointments are free, and OMC takes care of filing all the required paperwork necessary to receiving a medical marijuana card.

“We want everyone who is qualified for a medical marijuana card to be able to obtain one without breaking the bank,” says Shore, adding that OMC offers one-time payments and monthly installment plans, as well as discounts for veterans and referrals.

It’s all part of Ohio Marijuana Card’s mission, which is to get medical marijuana cards for as many patients as possible.

“For too long, the health benefits of this planet have gone ignored,” adds Shore. “But now that marijuana has found a home in Ohio, we cannot wait to watch this industry grow as we work hard to bring relief to thousands of suffering Ohioans. “

For more information on Ohio Marijuana Card’s services and offerings, please call 1-866-457-5559 or visit www.ohiomarijuanacard.com to set up an appointment with one of Ohio Marijuana Card’s doctors.