You may have heard of caregivers before, but how about a medical marijuana caregiver? A caregiver is designated to supply cannabis to a patient for medical purposes, and many medical marijuana programs allow the option for patients to have caregivers.
Sometimes, patients are too sick to leave their home or can’t access medicine by themselves, so this is where a caregiver comes in. Each state has different regulations and requirements for caregivers.
Caregivers can purchase, transport, possess, and sometimes administer cannabis for a patient with a qualifying condition. Caregivers are typically parents, spouses, nurses, or friends of patients.
In the state of Ohio, patients can have a maximum of two caregivers, and caregivers can only assist a maximum of two patients. However, due to COVID-19, the Ohio Board of Pharmacy is allowing patients 3 caregivers, and caregivers can assist up to 3 patients until further notice.
How to Become a Caregiver
The process to become a caregiver is pretty straight-forward in Ohio. Here are the steps:
Registry Identification Cards: All patients and caregivers wishing to obtain medical marijuana must receive a state-issued medical marijuana patient ID card.
Caregiver Eligibility: Individuals 21 and older can serve as a caregiver for no more than two medical marijuana patients. Each patient can have up to two caregivers (3 for the time being).
Patient and Caregiver Registration: The recommending physician, or a physician delegate, must submit the caregiver and patient's name to the Ohio Board of Pharmacy following their recommendation for medical marijuana.
There are certain costs associated with becoming a caregiver, like the annual registration fee, which is $25. Veterans receive half off any fees associated.
Patients must have their caregiver receive a recommendation from their medical marijuana doctor, and the doctor then sends it to the Ohio Board of Pharmacy. The Board will contact the caregiver to collect their registration fees and any other information they might need.
That’s it! After the fees have been paid, the caregiver can access any dispensary in the state.
Choosing a Caregiver
If you are a patient considering a caregiver, you have to pick someone you trust and someone reliable. Your caregiver should be willing to educate themselves on cannabis laws in Ohio, as well as your qualifying condition.
Your caregiver should also be comfortable with medical marijuana, and the effects of it, since they will probably be around when you use it. They may even administer the medication if you want them to.
Anyone under the age of 18 with a medical marijuana card is required to use a caregiver. Usually, it will be a parent or guardian, but it can be anyone who qualifies and is responsible.
Find a Caregiver Today
If you would like a caregiver, you will first need your medical marijuana card. If you don’t already have one, we can help with that!
Better yet, schedule an appointment with one of our physicians today to see if you qualify!
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
Here at Ohio Marijuana Card, our goal is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at (866) 457-5559, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out Ohio Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, andInstagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Ohio.
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