Launch Details: Ohio’s medical marijuana program was established in 2016 through legislative action with the passage of House Bill 523. The program officially began operations in January 2019.
Enabling Legislation: House Bill 523 (Ohio Revised Code § 3796) is the primary legislation governing the medical marijuana program in Ohio.
Regulatory Authority: The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program (MMCP) is jointly administered by the Ohio Department of Commerce, the Ohio Board of Pharmacy, and the State Medical Board of Ohio.
Historical Milestones: The program has seen gradual expansion in access, with additional qualifying conditions and increased availability of dispensaries. Recent legislative updates continue to expand and refine program accessibility and patient services.
2. Patient Eligibility and Registration
Qualifying Conditions: Qualifying conditions include cancer, chronic pain, PTSD, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and several other chronic or debilitating conditions.
Certification Process: Patients must obtain certification from a state-licensed physician who has completed a state-approved training program. This certification must then be registered with the Ohio Board of Pharmacy.
Patient ID Cards: Upon approval, patients are issued a medical marijuana ID card by the Ohio Board of Pharmacy. This card is renewable annually.
Minor Access: Minors are eligible with a parent or legal guardian as a designated caregiver. Additional parental consent and oversight requirements apply to minors in the program.
3. Possession and Usage Limits
Possession Limits: Patients are permitted to possess a 90-day supply of medical cannabis, with specific amounts determined by product type (e.g., flower, oils, patches).
Cultivation Permissions: Home cultivation is not permitted in Ohio; patients must purchase all medical cannabis through licensed dispensaries.
Form Restrictions: Permitted forms include flower, oils, tinctures, capsules, patches, and edibles. Smoking is prohibited, but vaporizing is allowed for adults in private spaces.
