In 2016, Ohio was one of the few states that chose to pass medical marijuana through the legislature with House Bill 523. This new law brought medical marijuana to the Buckeye State and established the rules governing the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program (OMMCP).

Despite the passage in June 2016, cannabis would not become readily available to patients until September 2018. 

As of October 2020, there have been over 181,000 recommendations issues by qualified physicians, resulting in over 140,000 patients. With nearly 10,000 of those patients being veterans. As of November 2020, the total product sales of cannabis have been over $228 million.

While slow to come online, Ohio’s medical marijuana program is now helping thousands of Ohioans get the medicine that improves their lives.

Am I eligible for medical marijuana in Ohio?

The following conditions qualify for the OMMCP. While many of them are severe and will require proof, there are still some open to interpretation by your doctor. Getting your medical marijuana card in Ohio is extremely quick and easy and most patients will get a card without much scrutiny when presenting claims of pain and the events in your life that may have caused PTSD. 

  • Chronic Pain
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
  • AIDS
  • Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Cachexia, wasting syndrome
  • Cancer
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
  • Epilepsy (seizures)
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Glaucoma
  • HIV
  • Hepatitis C
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Sickle Cell Anemia
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Tourette Syndrome
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
  • Ulcerative Colitis

Do I need a doctor’s recommendation?

Yes. In Ohio, you’re required to see a doctor when qualifying for your medical marijuana card. Only physicians who have an active certificate to recommend medical marijuana are about to provide patients with access to cannabis. You can find all of the registered physicians on the State Medical Board of Ohio’s website here

In fact, the doctor must submit the completed patient registration form in order to be approved. Ohio doesn’t accept recommendations submitted by patients at all. 

What are the costs for doctors and registration?

On average, expect to pay about $200 for a doctor’s visit, although we have seen deals as low as $139. Registration with the OMMCP is $50. Many locations give discounts for veterans as well. 

Is telemedicine offered?

Due to Covid, many people are wondering if they’re able to get medical cannabis with telemedicine. The great news is yes, there are a lot of options in Ohio to meet with a doctor and get a recommendation without having to physically visit an office.

How to obtain a medical marijuana license:

Step 1. Find a qualified medical marijuana doctor

Finding the best doctor is the first step. The best thing to do is to search your city for medical marijuana doctors and see if you can find prices to compare. Another great place to find information like this is Reddit, there are good threads (like this one) that come up about the current landscape of medical marijuana cards in Ohio. 

Step 2. Register with OMMCP

Your doctor has 90 days to submit your recommendation, although most of them will do this immediately. The state Department of Public Health has up to 30 business days to review an application. If approved, the DPH has 15 business days to issue the patient their ID.

Step 3. Visit your dispensary!

How long are the orders and licenses good for?

Your license and doctor’s recommendation is good for 12 months. When renewing, you’ll need an updated doctor’s recommendation, which is usually cheaper at around $100. Then you’ll need to pay the $50 registration fee again.

Where can I find a dispensary?

As of November 2020, there are 51 dispensaries in 43 cities across the state. Some of the major dispensary chains in the state are:

  • Rise
  • Strawberry Fields
  • Verdant Creations
  • Bloom Medicinals
  • Terrasana
  • The Botanist

How much does weed cost in Ohio?

While Ohio was initially thought to be one of the more expensive states, especially when just over the border in Michigan, medical marijuana is very affordable. Currently, Ohio averages about $11 per gram of cannabis flower according to a piece written by the Columbus Dispatch in October 2020 (here). 

The lowest of these prices depends on sales, which they estimate can be 10-20% of all Ohio dispensaries on a given day. Dispensaries are required by law to post their prices, so make sure to price shop and check your local dispensary’s social media account for sales.

While the Columbus dispatch may confirm competitive prices, a study cited by Dayton Daily News outlines how price continues to be a hamper on the Ohio medical marijuana industry.

Can I grow my own cannabis?

No. It is illegal in the state of Ohio to grow your own cannabis. Only licensed growers are allowed to cultivate cannabis.

Does Ohio accept other states’ MMJ cards?

While Ohio doesn’t accept other states’ medical marijuana card, they do not charge for possession when the carrier is a medical marijuana patient in another state.