If you’ve been thinking about medical marijuana for your back pain, a key question is: Who in Ohio can legally recommend it? Knowing who to go to saves you confusion and speeds up the process. Below is what Ohio law says, what credentials doctors need, and what happens during the evaluation.
The Certificate to Recommend (CTR): What It Means
In Ohio, not every healthcare provider can suggest medical marijuana. To do so, they must hold a Certificate to Recommend (CTR) from the State Medical Board of Ohio. This certificate shows they’re legally authorized and have met specific training and licensing criteria. (medicalmarijuana.ohio.gov)
Holding a CTR means that the physician knows Ohio’s medical marijuana rules inside and out, including what qualifies, patient responsibilities, and legal boundaries.
Once you’ve selected a doctor, our step-by-step application guide for a medical marijuana card shows you exactly what to do next.
Who Types of Providers Are Authorized
Here are the kinds of medical professionals allowed to recommend medical marijuana for chronic conditions like back pain in Ohio (with a valid CTR):
- Medical Doctors (MDs)
- Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs)
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurses / Nurse Practitioners (APRNs) with relevant certification
- Physician Assistants under Ohio law
Each of these must hold an unrestricted, valid medical license and maintain their CTR in good standing. (medicalmarijuana.ohio.gov)
How to Find a Certified Provider
Here’s how you can locate a doctor who can help:
- Visit Ohio’s official CTR-map to search for providers by county or zip. The licensing board offers a search tool that lists physicians with CTR. (medicalmarijuana.ohio.gov)
- Check the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Patient & Caregiver section — they have guidance on how to find CTR-certified providers. (com.ohio.gov)
- If mobility or travel is difficult, look for certified physicians who provide telehealth evaluations. Many can conduct assessments virtually, which makes things easier if back pain limits your movement.
What Happens During the Evaluation
When you consult a CTR-certified provider, expect the following:
- Discussion of your medical history — onset of pain, past treatments, how long it’s lasted, and how it impacts day-to-day life.
- Review of diagnosis documentation or imaging (if available).
- Confirmation that your pain meets Ohio’s “chronic and severe or intractable pain” standard.
- If the provider agrees, they will submit a recommendation to the Ohio Patient & Caregiver Registry.
Providers are also required to comply with state privacy laws, making sure your information is handled securely.
Common Misconceptions
| Misconception | Reality |
|---|---|
| Any doctor can recommend medical marijuana. | No — only physicians with CTR are authorized under Ohio law. |
| You need exactly “back pain” in diagnosis docs. | Not necessarily — what matters is the severity, duration, and how it’s documented (medical history, treatments, quality of life impact). |
| Physicians from other states can recommend for Ohio registry. | No — must be an Ohio-licensed MD/DO/APRN/PA with CTR. |
FAQs
You can use the State Medical Board of Ohio’s online CTR-map to verify.
Telehealth evaluations are typically acceptable, especially for patients with mobility issues, as long as the doctor holds a valid CTR.
Providers can submit the recommendation if you qualify. Product form, dosing, and details are handled through the dispensary and with your own discussion with the physician.
Final Thoughts
Getting a medical marijuana recommendation starts with finding the right certified doctor. Once you know who’s eligible under Ohio law — someone with a CTR license — the evaluation process becomes much more transparent. If chronic back pain is affecting your quality of life, starting with a certified provider is your first step toward relief.
If you’re ready to take the first step, you can start your online evaluation with a certified Ohio physician here.