Ohio Medical Marijuana Laws, What You Need to Know
Understanding your state's laws governing medical marijuana can be complicated, to say the least. Each state in the USA can create and run their own medical marijuana programs independently of the federal law, which creates further confusion as state laws vary greatly. California was the first state to legalize medical marijuana in 1996. In 2015, nineteen years later, the state of Ohio did so also. The legalization of medical marijuana in Ohio came with a few unique concepts.
Having followed Ohio’s medical marijuana laws closely as a practicing medical marijuana doctor in Cincinnati, I have discussed these laws with my patients on many occasions. Here are several of the laws you should know if considering becoming a patient or are a current marijuana patient.
Cannabis Flower is Available but Only for Vaporization: Many considering Ohio’s medical marijuana program think they do not carry the Flower, or the plant material form of the plant. However, Ohio has the flower and it is of high quality overall. Despite this fact, it can only be used by vaporization. Essentially, Ohio has banned smoking or combustion of the flower. I have come across many patients whom do not understand this law however it has been determined that use of dry herb vaporizers does lower the risk of throat and airway irritation and associated bronchitis.
There is a 90 Day Supply Law: Most states do not limit patients in regard to the quantity of marijuana they can purchase in a given period of time. Ohio does, though the amounts are generally less than what the majority of patients use. Basically, Ohio allows you to purchase 90 “units” of products in 90 days. Each product is allotted a number of days, for example a small jar of flower is worth 2-3 days while a standard vape pen or edible pack is worth 1 day.
Crossing State Lines is Not Allowed: This is not specific to Ohio and is actually a law that exists across the country in any medically legal state. This means that while you live in Ohio and are legal to purchase cannabis there, you cannot drive into a medically illegal state such as Kentucky or Indiana. It also means that you cannot drive from Michigan and purchase cannabis and return to Ohio with it. That is until states create what is called Reciprocity, or an agreement between states allowing patients to go from state to state to purchase cannabis and potentially bring it home legally.
You have to see your Ohio Marijuana Doctor at least Annually: Ohio doctors with the certificate to recommend cannabis can by law provide recommendations for cannabis to their patients for 3, 6, 9, or 12 months.
Age is not a number in regard to Cannabis in Ohio: Ohio considers anyone 18 years old or older to be a patient in the medical marijuana program and independently go to purchase products. That does not mean that if you are under 18, you cannot access medical cannabis in Ohio. If you are under 18 years of age, you can be a medical marijuana patient though will require a parent or legal guardian to be attached to your status. Listed as the “caregiver” the parent or legal guardian can only go to purchase product on behalf of the patient, and can only purchase non inhalation route products, including tinctures and edibles.
Being a resident of Ohio is mandatory: As we discussed earlier, crossing state lines is forbidden according to state laws. This comes in to play with our close neighbors Kentucky and Indiana. Despite how close these states are to us, residents of these states cannot become medical marijuana patients in Ohio. It is weird to see another state in the distance of your clinic and realize they cannot gain access to the medical care that you are offering. Proof of residency includes a valid (unexpired) Ohio driving license, Ohio State ID, or Passport with an Ohio address listed.
If you have other questions about Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Laws, the board of pharmacy of Ohio’s website has a comprehensive breakdown of them.