Does cachexia & wasting syndrome qualify in Ohio?
Yes. The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program (MMCP) lists Cachexia as a qualifying condition. An Ohio-licensed provider still has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
About cachexia & wasting syndrome
Severe, unintended loss of weight and muscle that comes with serious illnesses like cancer or HIV.
Limited evidence. There's limited evidence that cannabinoids increase appetite and reduce weight loss in HIV/AIDS.
Symptoms Ohio patients most often hope to ease:
- Poor appetite and feeling full quickly
- Nausea that makes eating difficult
- Ongoing loss of weight and muscle
- Changes in taste or smell of food
- Fatigue and low energy
Before you start. Dizziness, low blood pressure and sedation can raise the risk of falls in people who are already weak. People with weakened immune systems should avoid smoking cannabis because of a risk of lung infections from contaminated plant material.
Read more: medical marijuana for cachexia & wasting syndrome.
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
- ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)
- Alzheimer's disease
- 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
Cachexia & wasting syndrome in nearby states
- Cachexia & wasting syndrome in Pennsylvania
- Cachexia & wasting syndrome in West Virginia
- Cachexia & wasting syndrome in Kentucky
- Cachexia & wasting syndrome in Michigan
Frequently asked questions
Do I need medical records for cachexia & wasting syndrome?
Helpful records include: records confirming the underlying illness, such as a cancer, HIV or heart failure diagnosis; weight records over time showing unintended weight loss; notes from your oncologist, HIV specialist or dietitian about appetite and nutrition. 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.