Can You Get a Medical Card for ADHD in Oklahoma in 2024?

Photo by Amaury Michaux

In 2018, Oklahoma joined the ranks of states legalizing the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Just one month after the law was passed, the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority started accepting applications for their medical marijuana card.

Unlike many other states, Oklahoma doesn’t have a strictly defined list of qualifying conditions. Instead, it’s up to the best judgment of a physician to sign off on marijuana cards for their patients.

So can you get a medical card for ADHD in Oklahoma? The short answer is yes. Under Oklahoma law, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) could be a qualifying condition as long as your doctor agrees that cannabis would be beneficial for you.

Let’s explore the process of getting your Oklahoma medical card for ADHD.

Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s flexible medical marijuana laws mean that there aren’t any qualifying conditions that you have to meet in order to get your card. There isn’t a list of “approved” conditions. Instead, it’s up to a physician to determine whether or not medical marijuana can be beneficial.

Marijuana has been known to help conditions including but not limited to:

• Anxiety or depression
• Epilepsy or seizure disorders
• Chronic pain
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Cancer
• Autism
• Muscle spasms
• Anorexia
• Inflammation
• Migraines
• Severe nausea

 

So Can You Get a Medical Card for ADHD in Oklahoma?

As of 2024, no states in the U.S. have ADHD on their list of qualifying conditions to get a medical marijuana card. The good news is that Oklahoma doesn’t have an explicit list. Their policies are more flexible, allowing physicians to make the best decisions for their patients based on their best judgment.

So can you get a medical card for ADHD in Oklahoma? ADHD patients are eligible for medical marijuana treatment just like any other prospective patient — as long as their doctor agrees. Some patients turn to their primary care physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist. However, you can also seek out physicians who specialize in alternative treatments for conditions like ADHD, including medical marijuana.

That said, it isn’t a decision you or your physician should take lightly. Be honest with your doctor about your ADHD symptoms, as well as how medical marijuana might be beneficial for you. Discuss your medical history, treatments you’ve tried before, and how marijuana could fit into the picture.

If your doctor determines that you demonstrate a valid need for medical marijuana use, they can sign your physician recommendation form, which you can submit as part of your full application. Keep in mind that it costs $100 plus a service fee to submit your application or only $20 plus a service fee if you’re on insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, or SoonerCare. You can expect to receive your approval email within 12 days and the physical card another three or four days after that.

The Effects of Cannabis on ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition often characterized by attention issues, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. This neurobehavioral disorder can be treated with a combination of medication and talk therapy. But alternative forms of treatment, like marijuana, have also shown promise in treating ADHD symptoms.

Early reports show that more and more people with ADHD are turning to marijuana as a form of self-medication — with positive results. One study found that patients using marijuana for their ADHD showed mild to moderate improvement in emotional regulation and focus. One patient even reported using marijuana to wean off of other ADHD medications entirely.

Overall, the report found that marijuana is beneficial to ADHD patients as it helps to:

• Control racing thoughts or emotions
• Improve focus and attention span
• Reduce anxiety
• Increase productivity
• Assist with relaxation and sleep

However, it’s important to note that the research into ADHD and marijuana is still limited, and the effects may not be beneficial for everyone. Some studies show that certain high-THC strains can impair executive functioning or even worsen symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. While some patients may have reported success with self-medication, it’s recommended to always seek ADHD treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician.

Schedule an Appointment with a Medical Marijuana Doctor in Oklahoma Today!

Once you have an Oklahoma medical marijuana card in hand, it’s valid for two years before needing renewal. But how do you get there?

For patients with ADHD, your first step is finding a physician to work with on approving your application. That’s where Green Health Docs can help.

With a 99% approval rate, our qualified doctors offer telemedicine evaluations to help you process your medical marijuana card application in as little as a few days. Learn more about the process or schedule your first appointment today.

 

This article has been reviewed by Dr. Anand Dugar, an anesthesiologist, pain medicine physician and the founder of Green Health Docs. Graduating from medical school in 2004 and residency in 2008, Dr. Dugar has been a licensed physician for almost 20 years and has been leading the push for medical cannabis nationwide.