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Medical Marijuana

Holistic Medicine Fairborn OH - what is cannabis - Medical Marijuana - InteCare Medical Clinic - Integrative Medicine Fairborn, Ohio - Cannabis - Chronic Pain - dr. david zainey

What is Cannabis?

Medical marijuana is medicine derived from the cannabis (marijuana) plant to treat certain symptoms and illnesses. It has been shown to offer pain relief, anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea benefits, as well as protection against neurological injuries and nerve degeneration. It can also ease mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Cannabinoids are the 100+ chemical compounds that make up the cannabis plant. These compounds interact with receptors in the body called the endocannabinoid system (ECS) that signal the brain, nervous system, immune system, and more to help regulate health. The most common cannabinoids include:

  • Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component in cannabis
  • Cannabidiol (CBD or Epidiolex®) is believed to counteract the effects of THC and is used to treat pain, inflammation, insomnia, and anxiety
  • Cannabinol (CBN), a byproduct of THC, is known for its sedative properties

In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration approved CBD for the treatment of certain types of epileptic seizures. It also approved Marinol® (dronabinol) and nabilone – synthetic versions of THC – to treat nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and for people with AIDS.

Every state has different laws regarding the use of medical marijuana – and the health conditions approved for this type of treatment may vary from state to state.

Medical marijuana can be administered in many different ways, including oral forms (pills, oil, edibles), topical creams, patches worn on the skin, and vaporized extracts. As with all medications, there are side effects of medical marijuana. Most importantly, it is important not to drive or operate machinery while under the influence of marijuana.

If you’re considering an evidence-based complementary therapy like medical marijuana, be sure to consult a medical doctor like Dr. David Zainey at the InteCare Medical Clinic. You want to be sure what you’re consuming is safe, effective, and part of a holistic treatment plan to meet your particular health care goals.

Conditions Treated With Cannabis

Under the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program, a resident of the state must be diagnosed with one of 21 covered medical conditions to be permitted usage of medical marijuana:

  • AIDS
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Cancer
  • Chronic traumatic encephalopathy
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Epilepsy/seizure disorders
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Glaucoma
  • Hepatitis C
  • HIV-positive status


  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Pain: severe chronic or intractable
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Sickle cell anemia
  • Spinal cord disease/ injury
  • Tourette syndrome
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Ulcerative colitis

If your ailment is not on this list, please check with Dr. Zainey as there may be other integrative medicine options available to you.

Medical Marijuana for Chronic Pain

Opioid addiction has ensnared millions of Americans in recent years, causing untold pain, economic burden, and even death. In fact, the majority of overdose deaths each year are due to these highly addictive pain-relieving drugs. So, it’s no wonder that doctors and patients alike would welcome medical marijuana as a much safer, natural alternative.

Like opioids, medical marijuana can effectively alleviate health problems such as chronic pain and many other symptoms – but without the addiction that can lead to overdose and death.

Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Marijuana

What do I need for an initial appointment?

To make a first-time appointment with InteCare Medical Clinic, click the Become a New Patient button in the Patient Portal and select New Patient. Alternatively, you can fill out the appointment request form within the portal or call us at (937) 874-5766.

Well in advance of your first appointment, you must request that your relevant medical records be sent to our doctor. You should request these through your current doctor’s office. For your convenience, a medical records release form is available for you to download, complete, and submit to your current doctor.

Consultations are by advance appointment and we require prepayment for your first appointment. We accept debit and credit cards.

If you are requesting treatment under the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program, your medical records must support the prior diagnosis, treatment, and progress of your qualifying condition. Relevant medical records must also include any mental health, substance use disorder, and HIV-AIDS diagnoses, treatments, and outcomes.

Patients participating in narcotic substance abuse treatment programs must have permission for medical marijuana treatment sent along with their medical records. Otherwise, the presence of THC in your system could be used as grounds for dismissal from the program and jeopardize your treatment.

Child patients must have either a passport or a state identification card from the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Children should be accompanied by their parent or caregiver.

Do I need a referral?

No. Your current physician can refer you, but it is not necessary.

Your medical records, however, should be received by this office as far in advance of your initial appointment as possible to avoid any delay in your assessment.

Will insurance cover my evaluation appointment?

Some medical insurance plans may reimburse some of your costs or apply it toward your deductible. To facilitate this, a “superbill” will be provided to you to submit to your insurance company. The superbill lists only your diagnosis and not your treatment plan.

We are considered out-of-network by most insurance companies. Medicare and Medicaid do not provide reimbursement for visits to our office. Therefore, payment in full is required prior to seeing the doctor. For your convenience, this can be done through our patient portal or in our office.

What is medical marijuana?

Medical marijuana is herbal medicine made from specific strains of cannabis and grown organically in a controlled setting. This high-grade plant material is processed into medication and thoroughly tested for purity, quality, and content. Active ingredients include THC, CBD, terpenes, and other cannabinoids.

Does insurance cover medical marijuana?

Quality, independently tested, state of Ohio medical marijuana obtained from your local dispensary is not covered by any health insurance.

Some pharmaceutical cannabinoids are available as FDA-controlled drugs such as Marinol® and Epidiolex®.

Who may recommend medical marijuana?

Ohio law permits physicians, who complete the required training, to apply for a license extension to recommend medical marijuana to Ohio residents with at least one of 21 medical conditions.

Who may use medical marijuana in Ohio?

An Ohio resident must be diagnosed with one of the following 21 medical conditions currently approved for the use of medical marijuana in the state:

  • AIDS
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Cancer
  • Chronic traumatic encephalopathy
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Epilepsy/seizure disorders
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Glaucoma
  • Hepatitis C
  • HIV-positive status


  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Pain: severe chronic or intractable
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Sickle cell anemia
  • Spinal cord disease/ injury
  • Tourette syndrome
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Ulcerative colitis

How do I obtain permission to use medical marijuana?

You must provide medical records supporting your diagnosis of one of the qualifying conditions for medical marijuana treatment in Ohio. Failure to provide these records will delay a determination of whether you qualify for medical marijuana.

Your integrative medicine physician will conduct a comprehensive medical consultation to determine if medical marijuana is indicated and if your qualifying condition is recognized by the state of Ohio. We will submit an application for a medical marijuana registration card on your behalf to the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy.

The Board of Pharmacy will contact you upon the registration card's approval (via a valid email you provide to our office) and provide you with a link to obtain the registration card. The state of Ohio also requires a fee to be paid.

To obtain medical marijuana as part of your treatment plan, you present your registration card to a dispensary authorized by the state of Ohio to provide medical marijuana.

If you don’t qualify for medical marijuana, your physician will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan and help you understand how you may qualify for medical marijuana in the future.

How long is my medical marijuana registration card good for?

Your medical marijuana registration card is valid for one year. However, it MUST be revalidated every 90 days with a progress assessment. Ohio restricts a person’s medical marijuana to no more than a 90-day supply.

What type of medical preparations are available for use?
  • Oral: oils and tinctures (for spray and sublingual administration), capsules, and edible form
  • Vaporized: plant material, metered oil, and solid extract may be used with vaporizing devices. Note: Ohio law allows medical marijuana to be vaporized but not smoked.
  • Transdermal: patches
  • Topical: lotions, creams, and ointments
Where do I obtain legal medical marijuana in Ohio?
The full list of dispensary provisional license awards can be found on the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program website.
What government agencies will be notified if I decide to add medical marijuana as a complementary therapy?

The state of Ohio requires that an Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System (OARRS) report be created for any patient considering medical marijuana treatment. Ohio law further requires the consulting physician to determine if abuse or diversion of controlled substances is suspected and report such findings.

The State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy must be informed of your medical marijuana recommendation in order to issue your medical marijuana registration card.

If you’ve wondered whether medical marijuana can make a difference in your life, it’s time to stop wondering and make it happen. Schedule a consultation with integrative medicine physician Dr. Zainey at InteCare Medical Clinic today by calling (937) 874-5766 or request an appointment online.

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Dr. David A. Zainey of InteCare Medical Clinic offers Integrative Medicine and Medical Marijuana. Treatments include Acupuncture, Chiropractic Care, Tai Chi, Yoga, Massage and others. Conditions treated are Cancer, Chronic Pain, and PTSD

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