Ohio Rejects Autism and Anxiety as Qualifying Conditions for Cannabis
[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]A[/dropcap]n Ohio medical board committee voted against adding more qualifying conditions including autism and anxiety to the state’s medical cannabis program.
According to Cincinnati.com, the committee rejected the two commissions it was considering adding to the list. They specifically decided not to recommend autism or anxiety disorder after hearing from the opposition.
Many are upset by the decision, as it is a reversal of their May recommendation of the qualified conditions. While the final decision won’t come until September or October, they are unlikely to vote against the current recommendation. Previously, the board also voted down opiate use disorder, insomnia and depression, and delayed a vote on anxiety and autism to a later date. “Approval feels premature at this time,” board president Dr. Michael Schottenstein, a Columbus-area psychiatrist, said according to Cincinnati.com. “For the medical board, there should be consensus to do so among respected medical authorities.”
Many who were hoping to get medicine for their loved ones are disappointed by this ruling, as they were counting on cannabis to provide some relief. “The medications our kids have access to now are absolutely horrible in comparison to cannabis,” said Tiffany Carwile, the Bryan, Ohio mom who submitted the autism petition. “I am so heartbroken for Ohio. I am truly shaken to the core.”
“They didn’t speak about one person who tried it and said, ‘Hey, I’m using it on my kid and actually having success,” said Dr. Amish Oza, who already recommends cannabis. “Why don’t physicians have a voice in this?”
Although Ohio recently took the major step of legalizing hemp and CBD, and Columbus even reduced cannabis penalties, it seems that the state isn’t quite ready for a more comprehensive medical program.
