A guest blog written by an OMMP patient: Dr. Dank*
Medical Marijuana. Will It Help Me & More Importantly, Do I Qualify?
If you are asking yourself these questions, then most likely you have an ailment or pain that is bothering you. Maybe you are worried about the ramifications of getting a medical marijuana (MMJ) card here in Ohio. I understand. I too was worried but my only regret I have had in the entire process was waiting until February to get my medical marijuana card.
Dr. Drew Kowalewsky, D.O. – Head Physician @ Ohio Green Team
I suffer from chronic neck, shoulder, back, and hip pain from a car accident. I had been in and out of doctor’s offices researching my options for pain medications, shots, and surgeries. I had been through physical therapy and was seriously considering cortisone shots until I decided to try for approval for a medical marijuana card. Using Google, I came across the Ohio Green Team and scheduled an appointment at the Columbus location.
Compassionate Staff with an Optimized Patient Experience
Kelsey from the Ohio Green Team promptly responded to my online chat and answered all my questions about what to bring to the appointment and fees to expect. She let me know the Ohio Green Team was able to contact my doctor to get the medical records sent over prior to or even after the appointment if it was too difficult for me to gather them on my own. Even though my medical records clearly stated chronic and severe pain, which is one of the 21 qualifying conditions, I was still anxious.
Kelsey loves dogs as much as she loves helping patients
FAST AND INFORMATIVE
I already knew that cannabis helped me with managing my pain, but I was nervous to get a legal, state-approved recommendation. I went to my appointment with the Ohio Green Team on a Saturday morning. Greeted by Kelsey at the front desk, I was comforted seeing 4-5 other people in the waiting room and offices.
My appointment lasted under 20 minutes. Dr. Bowman thoroughly discussed cannabis and the Ohio MMCP with me. We discussed my injuries and the possibility of surgery in the future. I expressed my concerns of being prescribed pain medications that can lead to dependence. He discussed vaporizing flower and the possible results I could expect. He informed me about the renewal process and the online patient portal that the doctors can use to reach out to them if needed. After receiving my recommendation from Dr. Bowman, I paid $199 for the appointment, all follow-ups and placement into the patient registry and was on my way home.
“Dr. Bowman answered all my questions about the Ohio MMCP in a short yet thorough appointment.” – Dr. Dank
By the time I arrived home, I had an email from the State of Ohio to complete the registration process by paying a $50 fee online. Using a credit card, I paid the fee and was registered. I was officially a patient in the Ohio MMCP and was on my way to the closest dispensary. What an exciting experience it was to purchase cannabis legally in Ohio! There was even a police officer in the building protecting me while I purchased my medical cannabis.
IGNORING THE PUBLIC OPINION
The stigma attached to cannabis whether it be legal or not, is preventing people who need help from getting a medical marijuana card. Many people are confused about the MMJ process in Ohio. I admit, it is not the easiest program that has rolled out across the United States, but it is here and ready for Ohioans to utilize. If you are curious if you qualify for an Ohio MMJ card, review the list of current 21 qualifying conditions below:
- AIDS
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Cancer
- Chronic traumatic encephalopathy
- Crohn’s disease
- Epilepsy or another seizure disorder
- Fibromyalgia
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis C
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Pain that is either chronic and severe or intractable
- Parkinson’s disease
- Positive status for HIV
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Sickle cell anemia
- Spinal cord disease or injury
- Tourette’s syndrome
- Traumatic brain injury
- Ulcerative colitis
If you have any one of the listed conditions and have medical records supporting the condition, Ohio Green Team will be able to get you qualified and provide a medical marijuana card!
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