Medical marijuana for HIV in Ohio
“Positive status for HIV” is one of Ohio’s 21 qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card. An Ohio physician confirms your diagnosis and decides whether you qualify.
Check if you qualifyWhat the research says
The National Academies found limited evidence that cannabis and oral cannabinoids increase appetite and reduce weight loss associated with HIV/AIDS. Dronabinol, an FDA-approved synthetic THC, is used for this.
Cannabis does not treat HIV. Keep taking your antiretroviral treatment.
What to have ready for your visit
- Lab results or a clinic note confirming positive HIV status
- Your current medicines
If another doctor diagnosed you, your physician can confirm it from your records. How to get your records.
Safety
- Side effects can include dizziness, sleepiness, and dizziness on standing, which raises the risk of falls in older adults.
- Cannabis raises the risk of motor vehicle crashes. Never drive while impaired.
- Frequent use is linked to cannabis use disorder, and to psychosis in people predisposed to it.
- Smoking cannabis during pregnancy is linked to lower birth weight.
- Cannabis can interact with other medicines. Your physician reviews your medicines before recommending.
Your physician explains the risks and benefits for you before recommending, as Ohio requires.
Common questions
Does HIV qualify for a medical card in Ohio?
What records should I bring?
What does it cost?
Sources
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (2017): committee conclusions
- NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Cannabis and cannabinoids
- Ohio Revised Code 3796.01: qualifying medical conditions
- Ohio Administrative Code 4731-32-03: physician standard of care
Checked 13 Oct 2026.
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