How To Get A Medical Marijuana Card In Ohio? 2024

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Ohio is often recognized as a US state where there is still a lot of space for improvement regarding the cannabis laws. In 2016, the state of Ohio legalized medical marijuana when Governor John Kasich signed House Bill 523 into law.

Still, the system became fully operational in 2019, about three years after medical marijuana was legalized in the state. The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program oversees the whole operations revolving around medical marijuana cultivation, sales, distribution, and medical marijuana registration. Unfortunately, possessing marijuana for recreational use is still legal in Ohio but possessing up to 100 grams of cannabis is now decriminalized by the state.

Since applying for a medical marijuana card in Ohio can become a quite lengthy task, here’s a guide on how to get an Ohio medical marijuana card in 2023.

Possible Benefits Of Having A Medical Marijuana Card In Ohio

Following are some potential benefits that you can enjoy if you have access to a medical marijuana card in Ohio,

• Having a medical marijuana card is the only legal way through which you can consume and possess marijuana products in Ohio.
• Patients and designated caregivers can possess a 90-day supply of required medical marijuana products as prescribed by the doctor.
• Patients also get the right to order marijuana products over the phone or through a curbside delivery.
• Instead of waiting for 90 days, the patients can purchase marijuana products in two 45-day windows.

Eligibility Requirements

The eligibility requirements are set by the state in order to determine whether or not you’re eligible for an Ohio medical marijuana card or not. Here are the eligibility requirements set by the state,

• The patient must be 18 years or older.
• The patient must be living within the border-lines of Ohio.
• The patient must be diagnosed with one of the qualifying medical conditions and must have a valid medical marijuana recommendation.

Qualifying Medical Conditions

As per the state law, a patient must be diagnosed with the following medical conditions in order to become eligible for a medical marijuana card in Ohio,

• Chronic Pain, Muscle Pain, and Other Types of Pain
• Seizures and Seizure Disorders
• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs)
• Huntington’s Disease (HD)
• Crohn’s Disease
• Hepatitis (Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C)
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Cancer
• Tourette Syndrome
• Glaucoma
• Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs) and Spinal Cord Diseases (SCDs)
• Sickle Cell Diseases (SCDs)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Stroke
• AIDS/HIV
• Epilepsy
• Parkinson’s Disease (PD)
• Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome

How To Apply? A Step-By-Step Guide

Since the Kif has been working in Ohio for quite some time now, here’s a step-by-step guide that we believe will help you get an idea of how to apply for a medical marijuana card in Ohio,

• First, you need to book a medical marijuana evaluation appointment as this is the only way how you can get a medical marijuana recommendation in the first place. Don’t worry if you don’t know how and when to do that, the Kif is going to help you with that.
• Once you have received your medical marijuana recommendation, you can start to gather all your necessary documents and apply for a medical marijuana card via the Ohio Medical Marijuana Program. Don’t forget to pay any non-refundable application fee charged by the state.
• Lastly, wait for the relevant authority to make a final decision on your application. If approved, you’ll be notified how and when to collect your medical marijuana card.

What To Expect During Your Kif Appointment?

Once you book your appointment with us, we provide you the right to book your medical marijuana evaluation appointment as and when you prefer. As a telemedicine-powered platform, you’ll be able to virtually join your doctor for your appointment. Make sure to bring any previous medical records as requested by the doctor, this eventually helps in making a final diagnosis.

Don’t worry, we also offer a money-back guarantee in case you don’t get a medical marijuana recommendation from us.

Potential Cost

Apart from the medical marijuana consultation fee, you’ll have to pay a $50 non-refundable medical marijuana application fee to the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program.

Medical Marijuana Reciprocity

Unfortunately, the state of Ohio doesn’t recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards. However, the following are the US states that do accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards, including the ones issued by the state of Ohio,

• Alaska ^
• New Mexico * (recreational cannabis is legal in NM)
• New York ^
• California ^
• Colorado ^
• Hawaii *
• Pennsylvania (minors only)
• Illinois ^
• Maine
• Connecticut ^
• Arkansas *
• Michigan (qualifying state must also have reciprocity with Michigan)
• Missouri ^
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey *
• Oklahoma *
• Oregon ^
• Puerto Rico
• Washington ^
• Washington D.C.
• Maryland ^ (as of July 2023)
• Massachusetts
• Rhode Island
• U.S. Virgin Islands *
• Utah (max. 45 days, after which the patient must apply for a Utah MMJ card)
• Vermont ^
• Virginia ^

States marked with * require visitors to complete a visiting patient application for the duration of their stay.
States marked with ^ have adult use programs but do not accept out-of-state cards.

Applying As A Caregiver

As per state law, patients who are not yet 18 or may require additional assistance with marijuana consumption/possession are eligible to get aid from a designated caregiver. The caregiver will have to pay a separate $25 application fee and must be a resident of the state of Ohio with a clear criminal record.

How & Where To Buy Medical Marijuana In Ohio?

In Ohio, the only legal way to purchase medical marijuana products is through state-licensed dispensaries.

Is ‘Cultivation’ a better option?

No, the state of Ohio doesn’t allow cannabis cultivation in any capacity, even if you have a valid Ohio medical marijuana card.
Ohio Medical Marijuana Laws That You Should Be Aware Of!

Only medical marijuana is legal in Ohio with registered patients possessing up to 90 days’ worth of products.

• Cannabis possession for adults without a medical marijuana card is decriminalized if you’re possessing less than 100 grams of cannabis.
• Possessing smoking paraphernalia is a misdemeanor and can result in a $150 fine.
• Cultivation of cannabis is strictly illegal for all Ohio state residents.

FAQs

Are there specific medical marijuana doctors in Ohio who can recommend the card?

• Yes, as per the state law, only licensed medical doctors in Ohio can recommend a medical marijuana card to a patient.

Can I use my Medical Marijuana Card from another state in Ohio?

• No, you can’t use an out-of-state medical marijuana card in Ohio, yet.

How long is the Medical Marijuana Card valid in Ohio?

• The Ohio medical marijuana card will be valid for one year.

Where can I purchase medical marijuana after obtaining my card in Ohio?

• The state of Ohio has a network of licensed dispensaries from where you can purchase medical marijuana products.

Are there any restrictions on the amount of medical marijuana I can possess in Ohio with the card?

• Patients and designated caregivers can possess a 90-day supply of required medical marijuana products as prescribed by the doctor.

Can I grow my own cannabis plants if I have a Medical Marijuana Card in Ohio?

• No, cannabis cultivation in any capacity is illegal in Ohio.

What should I do if I lose my Medical Marijuana Card in Ohio?

• In such a case, we will advise you to contact the relevant authority as soon as possible and apply for a duplicate card.