Apply for Your Ohio Medical Marijuana Card
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Ohio Medical Marijuana Law
By signing up for the state registry, Ohioans with qualifying medical conditions can obtain medical marijuana cards. Because they are registered patients, cardholders are exempt from the state’s marijuana possession laws. The medical marijuana program in the state of Ohio has stringent requirements and guidelines, though. That’s why it’s crucial that qualified medical marijuana patients follow the rules established by the state’s medical marijuana program. Cannabis is still illegal for recreational use, after all.
You may be able to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life with the use of medical marijuana if you have a debilitating health condition like ulcerative colitis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, sickle cell anemia, Crohn’s disease, seizure disorder, Tourette’s syndrome, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease (IBS), hepatitis C, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or a traumatic brain injury.
Read on to learn more about Ohio’s medical marijuana laws, the obstacles some patients face, common queries people should think about if they intend to become patients.
Ohio Medical Marijuana Law History
In the 1990s, doctors and patient advocates in Ohio started to advocate for changes to the legalization of medical marijuana. By the late 2010s, the movement gained momentum and a ballot initiative appeared imminent.
Under Governor John Kasich, Ohio lawmakers passed the nation’s first medical marijuana legislation in 2016 in response to patient demand. The program created legal exemptions from some marijuana possession laws for patients who receive state approval to use medical cannabis.
The government then started putting together the oversight organizations and regulatory framework to control patient access and eligibility. In 2019, the first sale took place. To ensure security, accessibility, and accountability, the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program regulates patients, physicians, and dispensaries.
A maximum of 56 licensed and regulated dispensaries was established by the state. To guarantee patient access to secure and medical-grade cannabis, the government established a list of qualifying conditions and established cultivation and manufacturing standards.
Ohio forbids discrimination in the workplace based on a person’s registration status. Holders of medical marijuana cards are also not subject to discrimination in child custody proceedings because of their status. Today, the registry includes more than 270,000 residents of Ohio.
Marijuana Possession Laws in Ohio
No matter the form, registered patients are limited to a 90-day supply of medical cannabis products. Only medical marijuana that you have personally purchased from an authorized dispensary is legal to possess. Ohio divides your window for purchases into two 45-day periods.
Even having less than 100 grams of marijuana in your possession without a medical card is a misdemeanor offense that carries a $150 fine. Having more than 200 grams is illegal.
Ohio Public Consumption Laws
Ohio prohibits consumption in public. Your medical marijuana must only be used privately. Because cannabis is illegal at the federal level, you cannot use it in federally funded housing, courthouses, or national parks.
Be sure to carry your medical marijuana card if you have medical cannabis on you.
Ohio Cannabis DUI Laws
In Ohio, driving while under the influence of marijuana is a drugged driving offense. Driving constitutes your implied consent to be tested by the state. For urine and blood, the legal THC limit is 10 ng/ml and 2 ng/ml, respectively.
When they believe a driver is under the influence, law enforcement officials have the authority to detain that person. Plan alternate means of transportation if you’re going to use medical marijuana.
Applying for an Ohio Medical Marijuana Card?
Consultation with a medical professional qualified to recommend it is the first step in obtaining a medical marijuana card. Your primary care provider might be unable to help you because doctors are not required to provide marijuana recommendations. Both in-person and telemedicine consultations for medical marijuana are options.
To verify your identity and residency in Ohio, your doctor will look over a copy of your Ohio driver’s license or another recognized form of identification. They will register you with the state as soon as they have determined that you have a qualifying medical condition. An email invitation to finish the registry enrollment will then be sent to you.
You must pay your $50 registration fee after completing the online application. Your registry profile page will allow you to immediately download and print your medical marijuana card once it has been approved. Any dispensary in the state is then accessible to you.
You can get assistance from The Sanctuary with each step of the registration procedure. First, we’ll put you in touch with a doctor in Ohio who will examine you, address any queries you have about medical marijuana, and provide you with their recommendation.
Then, you will receive guidance on each step of the online registration and application process from our knowledgeable team. You will be eligible to receive your medical marijuana card from the Ohio Board of Pharmacy as soon as you submit a complete application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is recreational marijuana legal in Ohio?
No. Despite some localities decriminalizing low-level possession, marijuana use for recreational purposes is still prohibited in all 50 states. But even having a small amount of marijuana in your possession is a misdemeanor in most of Ohio, punishable by fines. For repeat offenders, the minimum punishments progressively get harsher.
What products can registered patients and caregivers legally possess?
You can buy edibles, drinks, lotions, creams, patches, tinctures, oils, and other products as a cardholder. Cannabis cannot be burned and thus cannot be smoked in Ohio, but vaping is legal. The state forbids marijuana dispensaries from selling any variation of the drug that might appeal to kids.
What products are illegal for registered patients and caregivers to possess?
Only marijuana purchased and possessed from licensed Ohio dispensaries is legal for Ohio MMJ patients. Even with a card, using any other marijuana is prohibited. You cannot legally possess medical marijuana belonging to another patient either.
Is there a limit on the amount of product a patient can possess?
You are only permitted to keep enough for 90 days. The state of Ohio restricts you to two 45-day purchase windows per 90-day period.
As long as the total does not go over a 90-day supply, you are allowed to buy as many different kinds of medical marijuana as you like. The dispensary keeps track of your purchases to make sure you don’t go over the allowed amount.
The state computes your purchase using Whole Day Units. According to the rules, one marijuana day is equal to:
- 1/10 oz (2.83 g) of dried flower or plant material
- 295 mg of THC content in patches, lotions, creams, or ointments
- 110 mg of THC content in oil, tincture, capsule, or edible form for oral administration
- 590 mg of THC content in medical marijuana oil for vaporization
Does Ohio offer out-of-state reciprocity?
No. If you have an out-of-state card, Ohio dispensaries won’t sell to you, and you won’t have the same legal protections Ohio cardholders do.
Do not bring your medical marijuana with you if you are visiting the state. Cannabis still cannot be transported across state lines.
Can you get a medical marijuana card with a felony in Ohio?
Yes. In Ohio, the application procedure does not include a background check. You can still get a medical marijuana card despite having a felony conviction as long as you fill out the application and get a certification from a licensed doctor.