The prevalence of anxiety has surged in recent years, both across the United States and in Ohio. As people seek safe and effective treatments with minimal side effects, questions arise about the possibility of using medical marijuana to manage anxiety. While anxiety may not be a recognized qualifying condition to receive a medical card in Ohio as of 2023, significant changes are on the horizon that could expand access to cannabis for treating anxiety, depression, and other conditions not initially approved.
Additionally, if you’re grappling with anxiety and aspire to become a medical marijuana patient in Ohio right now, you might still qualify if you’ve received a diagnosis for another condition that meets the program’s requirements for cannabis treatment.
In this article, we’ll delve into the evolving landscape of medical marijuana in Ohio, how anxiety may be related to other qualifying conditions, and the potential for future changes that could make medical marijuana more accessible for anxiety treatment.
Anxiety May be a Symptom of Conditions That Do Qualify for a Medical Card in Ohio
One key aspect to consider is that many patients successfully manage anxiety with medical marijuana by having another qualifying condition for an Ohio medical marijuana card. Anxiety often emerges as a secondary symptom of various medical conditions such as PTSD, IBD, cancer, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, HIV/AIDS, TBI, and terminal illness. Interestingly, anxiety can also contribute to the development or exacerbation of some of these conditions.
While direct eligibility for an Ohio medical marijuana card for anxiety might not exist, you might have another qualifying condition that grants you legal access to cannabis products at local dispensaries, potentially offering relief for your anxiety.
If you think you might qualify for a medical marijuana card in Ohio, visit the greenpass website today to learn more. The process is affordable, secure, and quick – plus, our licensed physicians are always geared toward your wellness.
The Chronic Pain and Anxiety Cycle
Chronic pain ranks among the most prevalent health issues in the United States, with a significant number of Ohio marijuana cardholders qualifying due to this condition. The relationship between anxiety and chronic pain is well-documented, with anxiety exacerbating pain and vice versa.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, chronic pain is frequently a symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Anxiety can reduce pain tolerance, lead to general discomfort, and even trigger migraines and cluster headaches.
Several chronic pain conditions often co-occur with anxiety. It remains unclear whether anxiety causes these conditions, but there’s strong evidence suggesting that anxiety worsens them. Individuals dealing with both chronic pain and anxiety often find themselves in a debilitating cycle, as enduring constant pain can trigger anxiety, which, in turn, worsens pain, leading to a self-perpetuating cycle.
The complexity of treating chronic pain alongside anxiety is compounded by the fact that individuals with anxiety disorders may be more sensitive to and fearful of the side effects commonly associated with prescription pain medications. NSAIDs can cause stomach issues, and individuals with mood disorders may be more susceptible to opioid dependence.
Painful Conditions That Qualify for Medical Marijuana in Ohio Often Found to Be Co-occurring With Anxiety:
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
- Migraines
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Anxiety May be a Symptom of PTSD
Many individuals experiencing intense anxiety may not realize that it could be a symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Anxiety, irritability, and insomnia often indicate a PTSD diagnosis, especially when these symptoms result from traumatic events and persist for one month or more.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in a new era of PTSD diagnoses. Frontline workers constantly face the trauma of losing patients, and most of us have either experienced illness or the loss of loved ones. We are all adjusting daily to the challenges of our jobs, our children’s education, supply shortages, food insecurity, and the way we live our lives.
If you’ve been grappling with severe depression and anxiety due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for a PTSD diagnosis in Ohio, which, in turn, could qualify you for a medical marijuana card.
Changes to the MMJ Program May Make it Easier to Get a Medical Marijuana Card for Anxiety in Ohio
Ohio legislators have recognized the limitations of the state’s current medical marijuana program and are actively working to make it more accessible and affordable.
Furthermore, in 2022 the Ohio State Senate approved a bill to expand the list of qualifying conditions, and added the ability to add additional qualifying conditions from the State Medical Board to the Department. Given the existing evidence that medical marijuana can effectively alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms, the prospect of lawmakers acknowledging medical marijuana as a legitimate treatment for anxiety in Ohio could be in the future.