State considers adding six conditions to medical marijuana list

As Ohio prepares for its first legal sale of marijuana in the coming weeks, a state committee has identified six additional conditions that could be added to the list eligible for medical marijuana (Source: “Medical marijuana: Opioid addiction, autism, four other ailments to get more study as qualifying conditions,” Cincinnati Enquirer, Jan. 9, 2019).

Ohio law set 21 qualifying conditions for patients to get medical marijuana, but opens an annual window for suggestions to add to the list. In November and December, Ohioans submitted 110 petitions suggesting a wide spectrum of conditions. Opioid addiction, autism, general anxiety, chronic anxiety, depression and insomnia were selected Wednesday by a committee of the Ohio State Medical Board for more study as potential qualifying conditions for medical marijuana.

The committee will consult with medical specialists as well as experts in other medical marijuana programs and is expected to make recommendations to the full Medical Board by June 30.