Evidence-based evaluation, education, and care coordination for Ohioans considering or already using medical cannabis. We provide recommendations for an Ohio medical marijuana card when clinically appropriate — we do not dispense, sell, or distribute medical marijuana products.
In Ohio, medical marijuana is recommended by physicians, not prescribed, through the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program. A recommendation requires a bona fide physician-patient relationship and a qualifying condition confirmed by a physician.
As a psychiatric practice, we evaluate whether cannabis use is appropriate and safe alongside your mental health treatment, existing medications, and substance use history. If you meet Ohio’s criteria, we can submit a recommendation to the State of Ohio registry. We do not guarantee qualification.
Whether you are exploring the option or already using cannabis, we focus on safety, interactions, and coordination with the rest of your psychiatric care.
Ohio law lists 26 qualifying conditions. The most relevant to psychiatric care we evaluate include:
The primary psychiatric qualifying condition under Ohio law.
Includes chronic pain, severe pain, intractable pain, arthritis, chronic migraines and fibromyalgia when criteria are met.
Cancer, epilepsy/seizure disorder, Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, and others as defined by the State Medical Board of Ohio. Final determination made after review of medical records.
Ohio allows adult-use cannabis for adults 21+, but a medical card may offer:
Your evaluation is conducted by John J. Aziz, MD, FAPA, quadruple board-certified in Psychiatry, Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, Addiction Medicine, and Clinical Psychopharmacology, and registered as a recommending physician with the State Medical Board of Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Control Program.
We review your psychiatric history, medical records, current medications, substance use, and treatment goals to determine if a medical marijuana recommendation is clinically appropriate and safe. We do not provide dosing instructions for THC products and do not dispense cannabis.
Q: How does medical marijuana work in Ohio?
A: Ohio physicians who are certified by the State Medical Board may recommend medical marijuana for patients with a qualifying condition through the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program registry. If approved, you register with the State and purchase products at a licensed Ohio medical dispensary. Thrive Brain and Mind does not sell or dispense medical marijuana.
Q: Can marijuana help with anxiety or depression?
A: Anxiety and depression alone are not qualifying conditions in Ohio. Evidence for cannabis for anxiety and depression is mixed and it may worsen symptoms in some individuals. We evaluate potential risks, benefits, interactions with psychiatric medications, and impact on your treatment plan.
Q: I already use cannabis. Why see a psychiatrist about it?
A: Cannabis can interact with psychiatric medications, affect mood, sleep, anxiety and substance use risk. A psychiatric evaluation helps ensure your use is safe and coordinated with your overall mental health care.
Q: Is a medical card still worth it now that recreational cannabis is legal?
A: For some patients with a qualifying condition, yes – for legal protections, purchase limits, access under 21 with caregiver, and physician oversight. We provide education on both programs so you can decide.
Q: Do you guarantee I will qualify?
A: No. Qualification requires meeting Ohio’s legal criteria, having medical records that support a qualifying condition, and a clinical determination that it is appropriate. We cannot and do not guarantee qualification or approval by the State of Ohio.
Q:Does insurance cover medical marijuana evaluation in Ohio?
A:Medical marijuana evaluations are typically self-pay and not covered by insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, per Ohio law. State registry fees apply. Contact our Powell office for current self-pay pricing for Ohio medical marijuana card evaluations.
Reach out and our team will help you understand your options and whether this treatment is a fit.
No pressure — just a conversation.
Searching for a medical marijuana card evaluation near me in Columbus, Ohio? Thrive Brain and Mind offers Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program evaluations in Powell, 15 minutes from downtown Columbus, with free parking and easy access from Dublin, Worthington, Hilliard, Lewis Center and Delaware. Evaluations are conducted by John J. Aziz, MD, FAPA, a quadruple board-certified psychiatrist registered with the State Medical Board of Ohio to recommend medical marijuana, not by a dispensary or technician. We focus on safety, psychiatric medication interactions, and coordination with your mental health care.
We offer telehealth evaluations throughout Ohio, including Logan, Lancaster, Athens and Hocking County, with in-clinic appointments available in Logan. All medical marijuana recommendations are issued through the State of Ohio registry only when clinically appropriate. We do not dispense, sell, or distribute medical marijuana products — products must be obtained at a licensed Ohio medical dispensary if approved by the State.
Important Information: Thrive Brain and Mind is an independent psychiatric practice. We do not operate a dispensary and do not dispense, sell, or distribute medical marijuana or cannabis products. Ohio medical marijuana recommendations are issued through the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program only when clinically appropriate and in accordance with State Medical Board of Ohio rules. This page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Medical records are required. A bona fide physician-patient relationship is required. Approval and issuance of a medical marijuana card is determined by the State of Ohio.
