Medical marijuana for spinal cord disease or injury in Ohio
“Spinal cord disease or injury” 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 no or insufficient evidence about cannabinoids for spasticity in people with paralysis due to spinal cord injury.
They did find substantial evidence that cannabis is effective for chronic pain in adults.
What to have ready for your visit
- A neurology, spine or rehabilitation note naming the diagnosis or injury
- Imaging reports
- 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 spinal cord disease or injury qualify for a medical card in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio law lists “Spinal cord disease or injury” as a qualifying condition. Your physician confirms the diagnosis during your visit and decides whether you qualify.
What records should I bring?
A neurology, spine or rehabilitation note naming the diagnosis or injury; Imaging reports; Your current medicines. If you don’t have records, your physician can still examine you and may ask for them.
What does it cost?
$149 for a new evaluation, with a full refund if you don’t qualify. Ohio charges no state registration fee under the current rule.
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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