Does ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) qualify in Ohio?
Yes. The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program (MMCP) lists Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis as a qualifying condition. An Ohio-licensed provider still has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
About ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)
A progressive disease that destroys the nerve cells controlling muscles, causing weakness, cramps and trouble swallowing.
Not enough research. Research is limited to small studies. Patients mainly use cannabis for cramps, spasticity, appetite, drooling and sleep.
Symptoms Ohio patients most often hope to ease:
- Painful muscle cramps and twitching
- Stiffness and spasticity in the arms and legs
- Loss of appetite and unwanted weight loss
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Excess saliva and drooling
Before you start. Sedating effects can add to breathing weakness, so tell your doctor about any breathing problems, sleep apnea or use of a breathing machine. Smoking or vaping can irritate the airways and is generally avoided when lung function is reduced.
Read more: medical marijuana for ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).
How to get certified in Ohio
- Check the list of 26 qualifying conditions before your appointment.
- See a physician with an Ohio certificate to recommend (CTR), in person or by telemedicine, and bring a valid Ohio driver's license or Ohio ID.
- If the physician recommends cannabis, they create your profile in the Patient & Caregiver Registry and can mark indigent or veteran status.
- Open the registry email ('ACTION NEEDED: Ohio MMCP Registry - Account Registration') and click the link.
- Check your name, address and ID details, accept the legal statement and activate your card; there is no state fee.
- Buy at a licensed Ohio dispensary using your active registry card, active recommendation and government-issued ID.
Ohio allows the evaluation by telehealth, so you can see an Ohio-licensed provider by video. Our evaluation starts at $79 and is charged only if you're approved.
Costs and timeline
- State fee: Free (no state activation or renewal cost)
- Card lasts: 1 year
- Processing: Card is activated by the patient after the physician's registry entry; caregiver eligibility review takes up to 7 business days
- Patient limit: A 90-day supply: up to 14.06 lb of plant material and 1,350 g of total THC in other products
- Home grow: Not part of the medical program; any adult 21+ may grow 6 plants (12 per household) under the adult-use law
- Recreational sales: Legal for adults 21+
- First visit online: Yes
See the full Ohio cost breakdown and Ohio program overview.
Other qualifying conditions in Ohio
- Alzheimer's disease
- Cachexia & wasting syndrome
- Cancer
- Chronic pain
- Crohn's & IBD
- Epilepsy & seizures
- Fibromyalgia
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis C
- Huntington's disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Multiple sclerosis
- PTSD
See every qualifying condition in Ohio
ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) in nearby states
- ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) in Pennsylvania
- ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) in West Virginia
- ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) in Kentucky
- ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) in Michigan
Frequently asked questions
Do I need medical records for ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)?
Helpful records include: a diagnosis letter or clinic notes from your neurologist or ALS clinic confirming ALS; a current list of all your medicines, including riluzole, edaravone, muscle relaxants and sleep aids; recent notes on breathing tests and swallowing assessments, if you have them. Many patients are still evaluated on their history alone, and your Ohio provider will tell you if more is needed.
How long does certification take in Ohio?
The provider visit takes about 15 minutes. Card is activated by the patient after the physician's registry entry; caregiver eligibility review takes up to 7 business days.
Can I renew online in Ohio?
In most cases, yes. Registration must be renewed every year. You need at least one in-person or telemedicine visit with your certified physician each year, and the state charges no renewal fee.
Sources
- Patients & Caregivers - Ohio Division of Cannabis Control
- How to Obtain Medical Marijuana - Ohio Division of Cannabis Control
- Ohio Cannabis FAQ - Ohio Division of Cannabis Control
- Medical Cannabis Daily Limits & 90-Day Supply - Ohio Division of Cannabis Control
- CTR Physician Annual Report 2025 - State Medical Board of Ohio
- National Academies — The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (2017)
This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Laws change — confirm details with your state agency. State facts last checked October 7, 2026.