Ohio Considers Opioid Addiction as Cannabis Qualifying Condition

Six new conditions — opioid addiction, autism, general anxiety, chronic anxiety, depression, and insomnia — were selected by the Ohio State Medical Board for studies into whether or not they should be added as qualifying conditions for the state medical cannabis program, The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Ohio’s medical cannabis laws allow for the annual review of qualifying conditions, at which time additional conditions may be added to the list. 110 different petitions were submitted to suggest a wide variety of conditions. Of those petitions, 54 did not meet basic requirements for consideration and a further 44 were dismissed for suggesting conditions already on the list. Three were sent back to petitioners for further details; petitioners will have 30 days to update and return them for final consideration.

The committee will now consult with medical experts who will make final recommendations on the conditions by June 30.

Ohio‘s medical cannabis program is on the cusp of finally launching after months of delays, having approved initial operations for the state’s first dispensary in December.

Some reports indicate that the first medical cannabis sales could take place starting next week.