Rumor Control: Volume Two
Welcome to this latest volume of Rumor Control, where we break down some common questions, misconceptions or rumors about the Ohio medical marijuana program. Today, we will be discussing whether free samples of cannabis will be available to Ohio medical marijuana patients at dispensaries, cannabis events or doctors offices.
So let's dive right in!
Misconception: There will be free samples of medical marijuana.
"Do you have any free samples?"
This is one of the most common questions our doctors, support staff and social media team get from patients all throughout Ohio. And though some may be quick to assume the question is silly, there's real logic to why so many patients want to know whether dispensaries or medical marijuana doctors will offer free samples of Ohio-grown medical cannabis.
In traditional medical practices, a doctor may hand out a free sample of a prescription medication to a patient following a medical diagnosis. Have arthritis, depression, migraines? You may get a day's sample of the latest prescription medication.
This is often done to see how a patient responds to a certain type of treatment, or to save a patient time -- in case in takes them about a day or so to see their local pharmacist, or get the medication in stock. It's also done because the doctor has the samples on-hand, or they may even be trying to cut the cost for a patient by handing them a day supply.
These methods are pretty common in general and specialty practices, and have become something of an expectation for many patients. Because of this, it was fairly logical for those patients to assume that cannabis will be no different. Alas...
Cannabis is different
Because of the strict rules, regulations and guidelines set forth by Ohio's Board of Pharmacy, and the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program, handing out free samples of cannabis is an impossibility. This applies to cannabis dispensaries and also events, expos, job fairs or parties in the Buckeye State that may be cannabis-themed.
The same goes for doctors, too. It is illegal for your doctor to directly recommend a specific brand or dispensary in Ohio, though it is worth noting that offices may contain advertising or information about cultivation and dispensaries. As such, medical marijuana doctors will not have any samples of Ohio-grown cannabis in their offices, only maps to dispensaries, advertising or guidelines for usage.
Some offices may choose to sell products, like vaporizers, vape pens or CBD products, but no samples will be available of those, either.
An alternative to free samples
But don't fret. If you are unsure of what kinds of cannabis to use to treat your ailment, be it Alzheimer's, fibromyalgia. cancer or chronic pain, patient consultants (also known as budtenders or cannabis consultants) will be highly trained and knowledgeable in Ohio cannabis products, their usage, dosage and effectiveness.
So ... if you have severe or intractable pain from arthritis, for example, a budtender may suggest a specific strain, or even an oil, cream or edible that is more effective. Or a combination of strains/products that may yield pain relief. They may even walk you through how to use your cannabis, from vaping tutorials to dosing with edibles (remember, a little can go a LONG way).
Interestingly, cannabis in Ohio will be sold as a "daily dose" (2.83 grams). Every 90 days, a patient will be able to purchase 90 daily doses.
They can also chose to buy all 90 doses at once in bulk, spread it out over the 90 days, or even buy daily doses once a day, based on needs and budget.
This means that patients will be able to mix and match their cannabis to find just the right dose and strain to suit their needs. Not sure what to buy? Simply purchase a daily dose and see how it works. Then, if the product delivers relief, return to the dispensary and buy a larger supply. If the cannabis does not yield a positive effect, return and try a different strain/product type. Because the daily dose is fairly small, and will only provide patients with about 1-5 days of cannabis (depending on usage), finding the right strain should be pretty easy.
While there will not likely ever be free samples of cannabis in Ohio, our staff tends to find that what most patients are really seeking is knowledge about their cannabis. They want to see which strains will work, and which won't, without having to spend too much money. That is why medical marijuana dispensary patient consultants, as well as daily dose units, will play a crucial role in helping an Ohio medical marijuana patient find the right strain that helps deliver relief and healing.
Reality: FALSE
There will not be free samples of Ohio medical marijuana, but patient consultants (aka budtenders) will be able to direct patients to the perfect strains and product types (flower, oil, etc) to best treat their condition. Daily dose units will be available, allowing Ohioans the option to mix and match to see what works best for them without breaking the bank.
If you are an Ohioan suffering from one of these 21 medical conditions you may be eligible to treat your ailment with medical marijuana, which includes both THC and CBD products.
Click here to learn more about what Ohio Marijuana Card's state-certified medical marijuana doctors can do for you, or give us a call at 1-866-457-5559 and our friendly support team can walk you through the entire process, and set you up with an appointment.
Also, we've got a new episode of Ohio Marijuana Pod! Check it out here or click the video below:
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