Ohio Board Rejects Autism as Medical Cannabis Condition

Ohio Medical Board Rejects Adding Autism and Female Orgasmic Difficulty Disorder to Medical Marijuana List

Columbus, OH – The State Medical Board of Ohio has decided against adding autism and female orgasmic difficulty disorder to the list of conditions eligible for treatment with medical marijuana. The decision, made in June, reflects ongoing caution in expanding the use of cannabis for medical purposes amid mixed expert opinions.

The rejection comes at a time when the Division of Cannabis Control, another state agency, is actively reviewing applications for recreational marijuana businesses. This division has a deadline of September 7 to inform applicants whether they have been awarded or denied licenses. The first dispensaries expected to open to adults aged 21 and older will likely be those already serving medical patients, as these facilities are operational and stocked.

Expert Testimony Influences Decision

A key factor in the medical board’s decision was testimony from experts, including Dr. Craig Erickson, an associate professor at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Medicine and a physician researcher at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Dr. Erickson voiced strong opposition to including autism on the approved conditions list.

In his testimony, Dr. Erickson highlighted a concerning trend of increased THC positivity among adults and children with autism. He noted that there are no substantial reports of positive outcomes in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients using cannabis. Erickson also raised ethical concerns, emphasizing that many ASD patients might be unable to give informed consent for cannabis use due to communication deficits inherent in their condition.

Concerns Over Autism and Cannabis Use

The issue of treating autism with medical marijuana has been contentious, with advocates arguing for potential benefits such as reduced anxiety and improved behavior, while opponents caution against the risks and lack of conclusive evidence. Dr. Erickson’s testimony added significant weight to the latter viewpoint, underscoring the need for more rigorous research before considering such treatments.

Female Orgasmic Difficulty Disorder

The proposal to include female orgasmic difficulty disorder as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana also faced scrutiny and ultimately did not gain approval. The medical board’s decision reflects the broader trend of cautious expansion of medical marijuana uses, ensuring that only well-substantiated conditions are added to the list.

Ongoing Developments in Ohio’s Cannabis Landscape

While the medical board maintains a conservative approach to expanding medical marijuana eligibility, the broader landscape of cannabis regulation in Ohio is rapidly evolving. The Division of Cannabis Control is moving forward with its review of recreational marijuana business applications, signaling a significant shift towards broader legalization.

The expectation is that existing medical dispensaries will be among the first to serve the recreational market, leveraging their established infrastructure and stock. This transition marks a pivotal moment for Ohio, as it balances regulatory caution with the growing demand for legal cannabis.

Community and Industry Reactions

The medical board’s decision has elicited varied reactions from the community and stakeholders. Advocates for medical marijuana expansion expressed disappointment, citing the potential benefits for patients with autism and female orgasmic difficulty disorder. Conversely, some medical professionals and parents of children with autism welcomed the decision, aligning with the cautious stance due to the lack of definitive evidence and concerns over consent.

Future Implications

As Ohio continues to navigate the complex landscape of cannabis regulation, the emphasis remains on evidence-based decisions and patient safety. The medical board’s recent ruling underscores the importance of rigorous scientific validation in expanding medical marijuana use. Meanwhile, the rollout of recreational marijuana businesses promises to bring significant changes to the state’s cannabis industry, with existing medical dispensaries at the forefront of this new market.

The State Medical Board of Ohio’s decision to reject the addition of autism and female orgasmic difficulty disorder to the medical marijuana list reflects a cautious approach amidst evolving cannabis regulations. As the state prepares for the expansion of recreational marijuana, the focus on evidence-based policy and patient safety continues to guide regulatory decisions.