The Ohio’s State Medical Board has increased access for more patients to get medicinal marijuana by adding a new syndrome to its list. The board has officially approved the inclusion of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as a qualifying condition for doctors to recommend marijuana treatment in Ohio. This decision was made after careful consideration by a committee, which examined national data suggesting the potential benefits of marijuana for IBS.
According to the National Library of Medicine, marijuana has been found to alleviate IBS symptoms by reducing inflammation and overall sensitivity. IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by excessive gas, abdominal pain, and cramps. People with IBS may experience normal or abnormal bowel movements, which can vary from day to day.
Medical experts recognize three main types of IBS:
- IBS with constipation (IBS-C): This type is characterized by predominantly hard and lumpy stool.
- IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D): This type is characterized by predominantly loose and watery stool.
- IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M): This type involves both hard and lumpy stool and loose and watery stool occurring on the same day.
While IBS has been accepted as a qualifying condition, petitions to add autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to the approved list were rejected by the board. However, it is encouraging to see .gov actively exploring the potential benefits of medicinal marijuana for various conditions.
For patients seeking relief through medical marijuana in Ohio, there are several dispensaries across the state. These cannabis stores provide a range of dispensary menu products that can be tailored to individual needs. As the number of qualifying conditions grows, patients can now explore the option of getting certified online through MedCard telemedicine services, making the process more convenient and accessible.
Ohio’s decision to include irritable bowel syndrome as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana treatment is a positive step forward. With ongoing research and increasing recognition of the potential benefits, we hope to see more conditions being added to the approved list in the future. As access to medical marijuana improves through the opening of dispensaries and the option of online certification, patients in Ohio can find relief and improved quality of life through this alternative form of treatment.
