[In the player above, watch previous FOX 8 News coverage of a proposed expansion to Ohio’s medical marijuana program.]
Columbus, Ohio (WJW) — Common gastrointestinal ailments are now a qualifying condition for medical cannabis prescriptions in Ohio.
The Ohio Medical Board added irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to its list of diseases this week. List of 25 other eligibility criteria in the Ohio Medical Cannabis Regulation Program, According to the news release. The addition took effect immediately.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a gastrointestinal disorder commonly caused by certain foods and drugs. According to the Cleveland Clinic. About 10% to 15% of American adults are thought to be affected, but only about 5% to 7% are diagnosed. It most often occurs between the teens and early 40s. Women may be twice as likely to develop it.
Symptoms that cause pain include excessive gas, diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain or cramps, and hard bowel movements.
Researchers who surveyed nearly 250 cannabis users and more than 9,100 nonusers found that cannabis users were less likely to need endoscopy for irritable bowel syndrome and that cannabis users were less likely to found that they had shorter hospital stays and therefore lower medical costs than non-users. According to their report published in 2020.
The medical board also rejected a petition to add autism spectrum disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder to the list.
Review of studies in 2022 A study of cannabis products used to treat autism spectrum disorders found that in some cases it reduced symptoms such as hyperactivity, sleep disturbances and agitation, and improved cognition, sensory sensitivity and alertness. However, some side effects have also been noted.
The proposed state law seeks to add arthritis, migraine headaches, chronic muscle spasms, hospice care or terminal illnesses, opioid use disorders, as well as autism spectrum disorders to the list of conditions. Ohio Senate Bill 9 Introduced in January, seven Commission hearings have been held since then, the most recent in May.
The Medical Board will again accept petitions to add new health conditions to the state’s medical cannabis program from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31. Anyone can submit a petition. Previously rejected petitions must be resubmitted with “new scientific information,” according to the release.
According to the medical board, there are more than 80 doctors certified to recommend medical marijuana in northeastern Ohio. can be found here.
