Ohio—much like many other states—offers medical marijuana to qualified patients. In Ohio, it only works for certain conditions. The process of getting a medical marijuana card seems more complicated than it actually is. It requires seeing a certified physician, registering with the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program, and paying a small fee. Today, we’ll cover how to get a medical marijuana card in Ohio and explain the limits of medical marijuana usage in the state.
Find The Right Doctor
As with many other states that offer prescriptions for medical marijuana, you must see a doctor who is certified to prescribe it. The doctor has to be licensed by the state of Ohio. Otherwise, they’re not going to be able to recommend medical marijuana for you. Patients also need to be 18 years old or older.
Minors with an adult caregiver can also qualify. You also need to see a licensed physician, who needs to give you a recommendation before you can use medical marijuana. Ohio’s State Medical Board certifies doctors to recommend medical marijuana. If yours isn’t certified, the state offers a database and guide to help you find one of the doctors in Ohio who is.
Ohio Has Strict Possession Laws
Since recreational marijuana is not yet legal in Ohio, they have penalties for being caught in possession of fewer than 100 grams of cannabis. Usually, it’s a $150 fine and is considered a minor misdemeanor. Possessing more than that is grounds for becoming a misdemeanor or a felony depending on how much you have. Growing marijuana is also illegal in the state.
Fortunately, Ohio does allow medical marijuana. But until the laws change or a recreational marijuana law gets passed, you’ll need to follow Ohio’s strict policies for obtaining medical where marijuana for qualifying conditions.
But They Do Allow Medical Marijuana
Ohio’s requirements for prepackaged medical marijuana are pretty strict: only one-tenth of an ounce (that’s about 2.83 grams). Ohio also has a fairly limited supply due to how few cultivators are currently producing medical marijuana in the state.
This also results in premium prices that are much higher than those of other states. This will probably change over time but is part of why Ohio’s processes are a bit more complex than other states. Speaking of those processes, to be eligible for medical marijuana, you need to see a board-certified doctor and have a recommendation. Then you need a medical marijuana card.
It’s required to obtain medical marijuana. Even with a valid Ohio medical marijuana card, patients can only have a 90-day supply of medical marijuana. After that, they’ll need to seek refills and additional recommendations following the same processes as before.
If Recommended, You Need To Apply For a Card
A medical marijuana card is required to access medical marijuana and state. The state holds 22 different conditions eligible for treatment and will probably expand that list at some point in the future.
Applying for the card essentially registers and is necessary to use the service. The layover between applying for the card and receiving it can be a bit long and requires an Ohio driver’s license, and a small fee. It might sound a bit cliche, but Tom Petty was right when he said, “the waiting is the hardest part.” After applying for a medical marijuana card, it becomes a waiting game.
Getting a medical marijuana card in Ohio is an option for anyone who gets a recommendation for medical marijuana from their doctor. Some people, such as veterans and folks on supplemental income might also qualify for a discount on the registration fee. Cards need to be renewed every year as well, similar to other types of medical services.
Order Your Medication
Once you’ve been approved for a medical marijuana card, you can order medical marijuana from an approved/authorized dispensary. The challenge here is that you have to pick it up from that licensed dispensary.
Ohio does not currently allow marijuana products to be delivered, although that could change in the future. The only exception to this is if you have a special caregiver whose license is authorized by the state to personally deliver your medical marijuana to you. Following and complying with Ohio’s laws is incredibly important. Failure to do so can result in legal action or fines, so be sure to follow everything precisely.
