Have you heard the amazing news that has swept across Ohio? Recreational cannabis is now legal! This is a huge and exciting change, and it brings up a lot of questions for everyone.

You might be wondering, “What does this new law mean for me?” or “Can I go to a store and buy it today?” These are great questions, and we are here to help you understand the answers.

This guide will be your simple map to the new recreational laws. We will also show you why Ohio’s medical marijuana program is still the best—and for now, the only—way to legally buy cannabis. Understanding the new world of cannabis in Ohio is key, and we’ll walk you through everything.

Recreational Cannabis is Here!

Let’s start by talking about the new law, called Issue 2. This is what made recreational cannabis legal for adults in Ohio.

What is Legal NOW?

As of December 7, 2023, the new law is in effect. This means if you are 21 years old or older, you can legally have and grow cannabis at home. Here are the limits:

• Possession: You can have up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis flower. For concentrates like vape oil or wax, the limit is 15 grams.
• Home Grow: You can grow up to 6 cannabis plants at home. If there are two or more adults in the house, you can have a total of 12 plants.

When Can I Actually Buy It?

This is the most important thing to understand right now. While you can legally have cannabis, you cannot legally buy it from a recreational store yet.

The licensed recreational dispensaries are not yet open. The state needs time to create the rules for these new stores and give out licenses. Most people think the stores will start opening sometime in the middle or end of 2024.

This wait is the main reason why the medical program is still so valuable.

Why an Ohio MMJ Card is Still Your Best Bet

With recreational stores on the way, you might think a medical card is no longer needed. But for right now, having an Ohio medical marijuana (MMJ) card is the smartest choice you can make. Let’s look at why.

You Can Buy Cannabis TODAY

This is the biggest benefit of all. You do not have to wait for recreational stores to open. Medical dispensaries are already open and working all across Ohio.

If you have a medical card, you can walk into a dispensary today and buy the products you need. You have immediate access to legal cannabis.

Save Big on Taxes

When the recreational stores finally open, everything you buy will have a 10% special tax on it. This is on top of the regular sales tax.

But if you are a medical patient, you will pay a much lower tax rate. This means you will save money on every single purchase you make. Over time, those savings can really add up.

Higher Possession Limits

Medical patients are also allowed to have more cannabis than recreational users. The medical program works on a “90-day supply” system.

This system often allows patients to have more than the 2.5-ounce limit that recreational users will have. This is great for patients who need to make sure they always have their medicine on hand.

Access for Younger Adults (18-20)

The new recreational law is only for adults who are 21 years old and older. But what if you are 18, 19, or 20 and have a health condition that cannabis can help?

The only legal way for you to get cannabis in Ohio is by getting a medical card. The medical program provides a safe and legal path for younger adults.

Stronger Legal Protections

Having a state-issued medical card also gives you a layer of legal protection. It proves that you are using cannabis for a real medical reason under a doctor’s care. This can be very important in certain situations.

How to Get Your Ohio Medical Marijuana Card

Are you thinking that a medical card sounds like a good idea? The great news is that the process to get one is simple and fast.

Check for a Qualifying Condition

First, you need to have a medical condition that is on the state’s approved list. There are many conditions on the list, but some of the most common ones are:

• Chronic Pain
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Cancer
• Crohn’s disease
• Epilepsy
• Fibromyalgia
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Get Certified by a Registered Physician

Next, you need to talk with a special kind of doctor. They must have a “Certificate to Recommend” (CTR) from the state of Ohio.

This process is faster and easier than ever with telehealth. Trusted services like HealifyNow connect you with a state-certified doctor online, so you can complete your evaluation from the comfort of your home.

Register with the State

After your doctor recommends you for the program, you are almost done. You will get an email from the Ohio Board of Pharmacy.

You will use this email to go online, complete your registration, and pay the state fee. Once you do that, your card is active and you are ready to go to a dispensary.

A Quick Note: Want to get your medical card approval online in just minutes? You can get your medical card approved quickly at HealifyNowMMJCards! Experience hassle-free access to the care you need. You can begin your application now!

Products and Renewals

Once you have your card, there are a few more things to know about the medical program.

The medical dispensaries in Ohio have a wide range of products that are all tested in a lab. This makes sure they are safe and high-quality. Having access to a variety of products is a major benefit. By learning about different cannabis strains and their effects, you can make educated choices about your wellness.

Also, it’s important to know that your medical card is only good for one year. You must talk with a doctor every year to renew it and keep it active. This is a key regulation for medical cannabis in Ohio.

Keeping your card active is simple. Many modern providers offer an easy-to-use patient portal where you can manage your account, check your expiration date, and schedule your yearly renewal appointment.

Conclusion

We have covered a lot of information today. The most important thing to remember is that while recreational legalization is a historic and exciting step, the medical program is still the best, smartest, and only way to legally buy cannabis in the state right now.

Whether you choose the medical path now or wait for recreational sales, we hope this guide helps you safely navigate the new world of cannabis in Ohio.

Dr. Bryan Green

Dr. Bryan Green is a board-certified neurologist and author specializing in neurological disorders. With a medical degree and extensive clinical experience, he writes about the intersection of neuroscience and therapeutic interventions, including the use of medical cannabis for conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. His work aims to educate patients and professionals on evidence-based treatments for seizures, spasticity, and neuropathic pain. Dr. Green’s publications blend medical expertise with accessible insights, drawing from his practice in states where cannabis is a legal treatment option.