Ohio Medical Marijuana Card Service

Cannabis is illegal for recreational use in the U.S. state of Ohio, but ownership of up to 100 grams is decriminalized. Legislation was enacted in 2016 to allow a regulated system for the cultivation, sale, and possession of medical marijuana, but the system did not enter into force until 2017.

A law on medical marijuana, House Bill 523, adopted by Gov. John Kasich in 2016. Signed into law. The legislation permitted the use of medical cannabis in the form of oils, tinctures, plant material, edibles, lotions, creams, and patches by patients with one of the 22 qualifying conditions, including cancer or chronic pain. Patients and their caregivers are permitted to have a supply of up to 90 days. Smoking plant material is strictly prohibited, as cannabis in this form may only be vaporized.

The Birthplace of Aviation has medical cannabis but does not permit recreational use. Approved in 2016, HB523 created a statewide program based on more than a dozen qualifying conditions; however, the Ohio Board of Pharmacy has delayed making the program affordable, according to a Cincinnati news report.

Marijuana Dispensaries and Cultivators

Though there are 57 medical cannabis dispensaries throughout the state and 700 certified doctors to qualify patients, the cost of medical cannabis manufactured by 33 cultivators remains too expensive for some of the more than 125,000 registered patients. The mmj industry has also been tempered by many laws since its passing four years ago, with several setting parameters for cultivating, prescribing, and selling to patients,” reports WCPO, a local ABC station.

With up to 1,000 new medical cannabis cardholders approved monthly in 2020, Ohio will have to continue to serve citizens better based on news reports that the drug they need is too expensive to buy. For now, Ohio residents are reportedly traveling to Michigan to get medical cannabis. The Columbus Dispatch reports the news source receives constant citizen complaints, causing them to cross the border.

“Ohio marijuana cardholders have repeatedly told The Dispatch, both on the record and in private, that they travel to dispensaries north of the state line to save money,” reported the Columbus Dispatch in September 2020. Patients consistently list price as one of the biggest obstacles to buying the drug in Ohio.

In the meanwhile, Ohio has decriminalized small amounts of cannabis when found on a person, not charging them with any criminal offense, rather charging them a monetary fine. Surely continued medical cannabis legalization countrywide will have Ohio considering recreational use, as it did medicinally. It is only a matter of time.

Qualifying Conditions for an Ohio Medical Marijuana Card

By Ohio law, medical cannabis can be used to treat 22 qualifying conditions:

AIDS/HIV Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Alzheimer’s Disease Cachexia Cancer - Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Crohn’s Disease Epilepsy or another seizure disorder Fibromyalgia Glaucoma Hepatitis C Inflammatory Bowel Disease Multiple Sclerosis - Pain that is either chronic and severe or intractable Parkinson’s Disease - Positive Status for HIV Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Sickle Cell Anemia Chronic Pain - Spinal Cord Disease or Injury - Tourette’s Syndrome - Traumatic Brain Injury Ulcerative Colitis

Requirements to Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Ohio

A patient who is at least 18 years old and has one or more of the qualifying conditions, must be able to prove they are an Ohio resident by providing a valid state driver’s license or identification card. The patient must also pay a $50 annual card registration fee. Any follow-up visits to renew your registration can be done through our online on-demand platform.

Becoming a Caregiver in Ohio

Ohio’s caregiver laws are straightforward, beginning with the patient assistant being at least 21 years old and able to prove their Ohio residency with a valid driver’s license or state identification card. The caregiver, who must be listed on the patient certification, must also pay a $50 annual card registration fee. Ohio caregivers can only care for two patients at a time per law.

Registration of a patient or caregiver will be valid from the date of issue and will expire one year later, the last day of the month it was given. The patient’s registration expires after six months if the patient is diagnosed as terminally ill.

Possession & Cultivation Limits

Unlike most states, Ohio has a tiered possession limit, allowing a certain amount of THC-infused cannabis products to a patient depending on the condition they have. A tier I medical cannabis cardholder can possess up to 8 ounces of THC that tests at 23% or less; and a tier II medical cannabis cardholder can have up to 5.3 ounces of THC that test above 23%, but not higher than 35%.

Certain types of products in Ohio are only allowed to have so much THC. While patches, lotions, creams, and additional topics can not exceed 26-55 grams of THC, cannabis oil, tincture, capsules, and all other edibles can not exceed 9.9 grams of THC. Up to 53.1 grams of THC is allowable specifically for oil that is to be vaporized.

Grow Limits

Home cultivation is not permitted at this time in Ohio.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for an Ohio medical marijuana card?

In applying for a medical marijuana card, one must provide the following: Full Name Date of Birth Ohio Address (Must be a resident) Telephone Number Email Address Valid ID (Must be an Ohio ID) Must be 18 Years of age or older*

*If you’re under 18 you’ll need a statement that indicates your age and residency, the consent of a parent or guardian and minors are required to have an adult caregiver.

You can book an appointment with a doctor in the Veriheal network of Ohio physicians to review your ailments and medical condition. Once you’re evaluated and approved, you’ll receive a medical cannabis recommendation from Veriheal’s licensed OH doctor and be registered with the state.

How long is the complete process from application to final approval in Ohio? The initial consultation. Medical evaluations can take 10 - 15 minutes. However, the entire process to be approved, receive your medical cannabis card and register with the state of Ohio can take at minimum 2 - 3 weeks. Afterward you’re able to visit any Ohio dispensary. If for some reason you’re not approved you will receive a full refund. However, we currently have a 99% approval rate.

Can my primary care doctor recommend medical marijuana in the state of Ohio?

In Ohio, physicians must have a CTR (Certificate to Recommend) from the State Medical Board of Ohio and it must be currently active. For your convenience, we provide you a physician so you do not need to go through your primary care doctor.

What does this process cost using Veriheal in Ohio?

Your complete medical evaluation, consultation with a licensed OH practitioner and an authorized certification for medical marijuana purchases will cost $199. If you would like to sign up with a friend or family member there’s a discount that makes the price $379 for both of you. There is also an additional state fee of $50 to submit the state application.

Where are the dispensaries in OH? Is there a dispensary near me?

There are already tons of dispensaries all over the state. You can see a list of Ohio dispensaries here.