Ohio Cannabis Laws

As of December 7, 2023, Ohio adults aged 21 and over can legally possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis or up to 15 grams of cannabis extract and can grow up to six marijuana plants per adult, with a maximum of 12 plants per household. This follows the passage of Issue 2, a significant milestone in Ohio's cannabis legislation.

Every Dispensary Must Know

Ohio Cannabis Laws at a Glance

Ohio has recently legalized adult-use cannabis, which will take effect on December 7, 2023. This allows adults 21 and over to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis in plant form or up to 15 grams in extract form, and to grow up to six marijuana plants per adult (capped at 12 plants per household).

The state already has a medical marijuana program in place, which became operational in January 2019. This program, regulated by the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy, permits dispensaries to provide medical marijuana to qualified patients and designated caregivers. All dispensary employees must receive foundational training before dispensing medical marijuana.

Ohio utilizes the Metric system for tracking and tracing cannabis, ensuring compliance and safety throughout the supply chain. Dispensaries must electronically transmit specific information to the state board of pharmacy within five minutes of dispensing any medical marijuana. The amount of cannabis that can be possessed is defined as a 90-day supply.

This resource will cover the state’s current medical marijuana laws, while future updates will reflect the newly implemented adult-use regulations.

Licensing

To operate legally, a dispensary in Ohio must first obtain a provisional dispensary license, followed by a certificate of operation from the State Board of Pharmacy. Here are the key steps and requirements:

  1. Application Submission:
    • Complete the payment of the relevant application fee.
    • Submit an application that includes:
      • The name of the provisional dispensary applicant.
      • Type of business organization (e.g., corporation, partnership, LLC).
      • Proof of registration with the Ohio Secretary of State.
      • Relevant legal documents (articles of incorporation, organization, partnership, etc.).
      • Physical and mailing addresses, telephone number, and email of the applicant.
      • Proof of ownership or leasehold interest for the property where marijuana will be dispensed.
      • Survey showing the facility is at least 500 feet from prohibited facilities and opioid treatment programs.
      • Compliance with local ordinances, rules, or regulations.
      • Signature of an authorized representative.
  2. Certificate of Operation:
    • The certificate of operation expires on the first day of July of every odd-numbered year.
    • Renewal requirements include:
      • Completed renewal application.
      • Roster of employees and their license numbers.
      • Documentation of compliance with state tax laws.
      • Payment of the required renewal fee.
    • Renewals must be submitted at least 45 days before the expiration date.
  3. Operational Requirements:
    • A dispensary can only renew its certificate with the existing ownership and location as originally awarded.
    • The State Board of Pharmacy may deny renewal for non-payment of fees, poor compliance history, criminal violations, or other applicable criteria.
    • If a renewal application is filed late, a late fee is required, and the dispensary cannot operate until the certificate is renewed.
  4. Regulatory Compliance:
    • Maintain compliance with all local and state regulations.
    • Provide accurate and truthful information on all applications.
    • Ensure all necessary documents and fees are submitted timely to avoid lapses in licensure.
  5. Renewal Process:
    • Applications for renewal are accepted no earlier than 90 days before the certificate expires.
    • Dispensaries operating on leased premises must attest that the lease is secured for the upcoming two-year term.
    • Any changes in ownership or location must be requested separately from the renewal application.

For updates on new application periods and further details, dispensaries should sign up for notifications on the MMCP homepage.

Employee Training

To ensure the proper handling and dispensing of medical marijuana, Ohio law mandates comprehensive training for all dispensary employees. The key points for employee training are as follows:

  1. Foundational Training:
    • All dispensary employees must receive foundational training before they are allowed to dispense medical marijuana.
    • This training includes:
      • Instruction on the drug database.
      • Training on the inventory tracking system.
      • Responsible use training, including recognizing signs of medicine abuse or adverse events.
      • Security measures and controls for preventing diversion, theft, or loss.
      • Confidentiality requirements regarding patient information.
      • Education on the different forms, methods of administration, and strains of medical marijuana.
      • Awareness of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana patients and authorized uses in treatment.
      • Preparation for regulatory inspections and interactions with law enforcement.
  2. Continuing Education:
    • Dispensary employees who dispense medical marijuana must complete at least 16 hours of continuing education every two years.
    • Continuing education topics include:
      • Guidelines for providing patient information related to the risks and possible drug interactions.
      • Support for patients related to their symptoms.
      • Recognizing signs and symptoms of substance abuse.
      • Guidelines for refusing medical marijuana to impaired individuals.
      • Safe handling practices, industry hazards, current health, and safety standards.
      • Legal updates pertaining to Ohio’s medical marijuana control program.
  3. Training Documentation:
    • Dispensaries must maintain evidence of all training provided to employees, such as transcripts, certificates of completion, or other documentation with participant details.
    • These records are subject to inspection and audit by the state board of pharmacy.
  4. Approval of Training Programs:
    • Training programs must be established and overseen by a dispensary-designated representative.
    • Before providing training for credit, the designated representative must submit the following to the state board of pharmacy:
      • Names and qualifications of trainers.
      • Detailed agenda and schedule.
      • Training materials.
      • Signed attestation by a licensed pharmacist or authorized prescriber that they approve of the content.
  5. Training Specifics:
    • Certain training topics must be approved by licensed pharmacists or authorized prescribers.
    • Dispensaries must ensure all employees with access to patient information and the patient registry receive foundational training, even if they do not dispense medical marijuana.
  6. Mandatory Reporting:
    • Dispensary employees must report any suspicion of negative health or safety consequences related to the dispensing of medical marijuana to the state board of pharmacy within 24 hours.

These stringent training requirements ensure that dispensary employees are well-versed in all aspects of medical marijuana dispensing, patient care, and regulatory compliance, thereby maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism in the industry.

Advertising and Marketing

Ohio has strict regulations in place to govern the advertising and marketing of medical marijuana to ensure that such promotions do not encourage or imply illegal or recreational use of cannabis. Here are the key points:

  1. Definition of Advertisement:
    • An advertisement includes any written or verbal statement, illustration, or depiction created to induce sales through various means, including brochures, promotional materials, and other marketing tools.
    • Advertisements that make medical marijuana attractive to children are strictly prohibited.
  2. Restrictions on Advertising Content:
    • Advertisements must not:
      • Suggest that recreational use of marijuana is legal or acceptable.
      • Imply that recreational marijuana has health or therapeutic benefits.
      • Include images resembling cartoon characters, fictional characters targeting children, or pop culture icons.
      • Contain false or misleading statements.
      • Disparage competitor products.
      • Be obscene or indecent.
      • Make unsupported claims about marijuana’s safety or efficacy.
  3. Approval Process:
    • Dispensaries must submit any name, logo, sign, or advertisement to the state board of pharmacy for approval before use.
    • Submission materials should include:
      • A description of the advertisement format and medium.
      • Verification that no actual patient is depicted.
      • Accurate translations for foreign language advertisements.
      • Annotated references supporting treatment effectiveness claims.
      • A final copy of the advertisement in an acceptable format.
    • The state board of pharmacy has 10 business days to review and approve the materials.
  4. Prohibited Advertising Locations and Methods:
    • Advertisements for medical marijuana cannot be placed:
      • Within 500 feet of addiction services providers, game arcades accessible to minors, or locations attractive to children.
      • On billboards, radio, or television broadcasts.
      • On handheld or portable signs.
      • In public places without consent.
      • On public transit vehicles or shelters.
      • On publicly owned or operated properties.
    • Dispensaries cannot sell or distribute clothing, apparel, or accessories related to marijuana to individuals under 18.
  5. Online Presence:
    • Dispensaries may develop a website or web presence to advertise their name, business address, contact information, and services.
    • Websites must require age affirmation of at least 18 years before access.
    • Websites cannot allow direct consumer engagement, user-generated content, or reviews.
    • No sales transactions can be facilitated through the website.
  6. External Signage and Displays:
    • External signage must be no larger than 16 inches by 18 inches.
    • Signs cannot be illuminated.
    • Medical marijuana or paraphernalia must not be visible from outside the dispensary.
    • Dispensaries cannot advertise brand names or use graphics related to medical marijuana on the building exterior.

By adhering to these comprehensive regulations, Ohio aims to maintain a responsible and professional environment for the promotion and sale of medical marijuana, protecting public health and ensuring that marketing efforts do not target or appeal to minors.

General Requirements

Operating a medical marijuana dispensary in Ohio comes with a set of stringent regulations designed to ensure safety, compliance, and professionalism. Here are the general requirements that every dispensary must adhere to:

  1. Operational Compliance:
    • Dispensaries must operate in accordance with the representations made in their application and comply with Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3796 and associated rules.
    • Only dispensaries with an active certificate of operation from the state board of pharmacy may authorize and engage in medical marijuana operations.
  2. Location and Transactions:
    • Dispensaries cannot dispense marijuana from, obtain marijuana from, or transfer marijuana to locations outside the state of Ohio.
    • Dispensaries are permitted to acquire marijuana only from a licensed processor or cultivator.
    • Free samples of medical marijuana are prohibited.
  3. Packaging and Dispensing:
    • Medical marijuana must be sold only in the original, sealed containers or packaging as delivered by the processor or cultivator.
    • Upon request, dispensaries may provide a container for transport that meets specific labeling and packaging requirements.
    • All products sold must be placed in an opaque package that does not indicate the contents, the originating facility, or suggest that the package may contain marijuana.
  4. Access Control:
    • Only licensed dispensary employees, registered patients, or caregivers are allowed in the dispensary department.
    • Individuals performing necessary services, such as state board of pharmacy agents or law enforcement, may be granted access but must be supervised.
    • All employees must wear an identification card above the waist at all times while on the premises.
  5. Employee Identification:
    • Employee identification cards must include a clear photo, the date of issuance, the employee’s name, medical marijuana employee license number, and the name of the dispensary.
    • These identification cards must be collected and destroyed upon the expiration or when an employee is no longer employed by the dispensary.
  6. Vendor List:
    • Dispensaries must maintain a list of all third-party vendors and provide this list to the state board of pharmacy upon request.
  7. Policy Review:
    • The dispensary-designated representative must review the dispensary’s policies and procedures at least once every twelve months and update them as needed.
    • Reviews should be documented with the time and date of completion.
  8. Product Handling:
    • Medical marijuana requiring refrigeration or hot-holding, or considered potentially hazardous food, is not permitted to be sold by dispensaries.
  9. Hours of Operation:
    • Dispensaries must conspicuously post their hours of operation at all public entrances and on their website homepage.
    • Sales and dispensing of medical marijuana are allowed only between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET.
    • Dispensaries must be open for at least 35 hours a week for patients and caregivers, unless otherwise authorized by the state board of pharmacy.
    • A minimum of two employees must be physically present during all hours of operation, with at least one being a key employee.
  10. Security Measures:
    • When closed, dispensaries must be securely locked and equipped with an approved alarm system and operating surveillance system.
    • Medical marijuana must be stored in approved safes or vaults within restricted access areas.
    • Unauthorized access must be reported to the state board of pharmacy immediately.

By following these general requirements, dispensaries in Ohio ensure they operate within the legal framework set by the state, maintain high standards of safety and security, and provide reliable service to medical marijuana patients and caregivers.

Security, Control, and Storage of Medical Marijuana

Ensuring the security and proper handling of medical marijuana is paramount for dispensaries in Ohio. The following guidelines outline the necessary measures to maintain control, safety, and compliance:

  1. Supervision and Control:
    • A designated representative must provide supervision and control over medical marijuana and related products, ensuring they are dispensed in accordance with Ohio laws and regulations.
    • A licensed dispensary key employee must personally supervise medical marijuana and related records unless written approval is granted by the state board of pharmacy for off-site storage.
  2. Physical and Electronic Security:
    • When personal supervision is not possible, physical and electronic security measures must be implemented. This includes suitable locks, physical barriers, and electronic monitoring to detect unauthorized entry.
    • Restricted access areas within the dispensary must contain all medical marijuana, related records, and items requiring supervision.
    • Off-site record storage must be authorized and ensure board access to records within three business days.
  3. Inventory Management:
    • Medical marijuana inventory must be stored on the licensed premises in restricted access areas and tracked using the state inventory tracking system.
    • A clean and orderly dispensary must be maintained, free from infestation by insects, rodents, birds, or pests.
    • Medical marijuana must be stored under appropriate conditions to maintain its identity, strength, quality, and purity.
  4. Handling Expired or Contaminated Products:
    • Containers storing expired, damaged, deteriorated, misbranded, adulterated, or opened medical marijuana must be separated from other products until they are destroyed.
    • Such products should not be stored for more than one week before being destroyed according to the dispensary’s destruction policy.
  5. Security System Requirements:
    • Dispensaries must have a security system operational at all times, using commercial-grade equipment to prevent and detect diversion, theft, or loss.
    • This includes perimeter alarms, motion detectors, and video surveillance in all areas, ensuring clear identification of individuals and transactions.
    • The security system must be capable of recording video footage continuously and storing it for at least six months.
    • Additional features such as duress alarms, panic alarms, hold-up alarms, automatic voice dialers, and failure notification systems must be included.
  6. Emergency and Crisis Management:
    • A security plan must be developed to handle crises such as strikes, fires, floods, natural disasters, or other emergencies.
    • The plan should include protocols for patient, caregiver, and employee safety, as well as the management and security of medical marijuana and currency.
  7. Employee Access and Identification:
    • Dispensary employees must wear identification cards at all times while on the premises.
    • A daily log of employees with access to safes or vaults, including their access codes, must be maintained.
    • Unauthorized access to security measures and restricted areas must be prohibited and prevented.
  8. Additional Safeguards:
    • If special security issues arise, such as a significant increase in medical marijuana quantity, additional safeguards must be implemented.
    • The state board of pharmacy may require more measures, such as a supervised watchman service, to ensure the security of the dispensary.

By adhering to these stringent security, control, and storage requirements, Ohio dispensaries can ensure the safe and lawful handling of medical marijuana, protecting both the product and the individuals involved in its use and distribution.

Monitoring and Surveillance

To maintain compliance and ensure the security of medical marijuana dispensaries, Ohio laws require the implementation of comprehensive monitoring and surveillance systems. The key requirements are as follows:

  1. Security Policies and Procedures:
    • Dispensaries must develop security policies that address patient, caregiver, and employee safety, as well as the management and security of medical marijuana and currency.
    • Restricted access must be enforced in areas containing medical marijuana, allowing only authorized employees entry.
    • Dispensary employees must carry identification cards at all times.
  2. Controlled Access:
    • Dispensaries must establish barriers to control access and prevent loitering both inside and outside the facility.
    • Signs indicating restricted access areas must be posted at all entry points to rooms containing medical marijuana.
  3. Electronic Monitoring:
    • Dispensaries must employ electronic monitoring systems, including panic buttons and video surveillance.
    • The security system must operate at all times and be able to detect unauthorized access immediately.
  4. Video Surveillance:
    • Video cameras must be installed in all areas, including entry and exit points, the dispensary department, and restricted access areas.
    • Surveillance must allow for clear identification of any person in the monitored area and record at each point of sale.
    • Surveillance systems should be capable of constant streaming during non-operational hours and recording during operational hours, with footage retained for a minimum of six months.
  5. Alarm Systems:
    • Dispensaries must install duress alarms (silent alarms signaling forced deactivation), panic alarms (audible alarms for emergencies), and holdup alarms (silent alarms for robberies).
    • An automatic voice dialer should be programmed to contact law enforcement or emergency services in the event of an alarm activation.
  6. Failure Notification Systems:
    • Surveillance systems must include failure notification systems that provide alerts in case of system malfunctions.
    • The system should be capable of capturing high-quality images, with a minimum of thirty frames per second and a clear color still photo at 9600 dpi.
  7. Power Outage Contingency:
    • Security systems must remain operational during power outages and ensure that access doors are not solely controlled by electronic panels.
  8. Data Handling:
    • Video surveillance data must be stored securely, with all recordings erased or destroyed before disposal.
    • Surveillance systems must allow for exporting images and video in standard formats (e.g., .jpg, .bmp, .gif) and guarantee the authenticity of the footage.
  9. Regular Inspections:
    • Security equipment must be inspected and tested regularly, at least every thirty days, to ensure functionality.
    • Records of inspections and tests must be maintained.
  10. Emergency Preparedness:
    • Dispensaries must have policies to handle crises such as diversion, theft, loss, or natural disasters.
    • Dedicated on-site security personnel must be employed during operational hours, trained specifically for security operations.
  11. State Board of Pharmacy Approval:
    • The state board of pharmacy may request or approve alternate security measures if they are deemed adequate.
    • Dispensaries must expand physical security controls in response to increased quantities of medical marijuana.

By adhering to these monitoring and surveillance requirements, Ohio dispensaries can ensure the safety and security of their operations, protecting patients, caregivers, employees, and their inventory.

Dispensing of Medical Marijuana

Ohio dispensaries must adhere to strict regulations when dispensing medical marijuana to ensure the safety and proper treatment of patients and caregivers. The key requirements are as follows:

  1. Authorized Sales:
    • Dispensaries are authorized to sell medical marijuana only to qualified patients who are 18 years of age or older and to designated caregivers.
    • Only dispensary employees can sell medical marijuana to patients or caregivers, and sales to laboratories licensed for scientific and clinical purposes are also permitted.
  2. Employee Judgment:
    • Dispensary employees have the authority to refuse to dispense medical marijuana if they suspect that it may have negative health or safety consequences for the patient or the public.
    • Such determinations must be reported to the State Board of Pharmacy within 24 hours.
  3. Identification Verification:
    • Before selling medical marijuana, dispensary employees must verify the patient’s or caregiver’s registry identification card and an additional state-issued photographic identification.
  4. Inventory System Compatibility:
    • Each dispensary’s internal inventory system must be compatible with and capable of integrating with the state inventory tracking system.
    • An approved scanner must be used to retrieve patient registry data by scanning identification cards.
  5. Prohibited Sales:
    • Expired, damaged, deteriorated, misbranded, adulterated, or opened medical marijuana cannot be sold.
    • Medical marijuana can only be sold in a direct, face-to-face exchange without the use of electronic or mechanical devices such as vending machines.
  6. Purchase Limits:
    • Patients and caregivers can collectively purchase no more than a 90-day supply of medical marijuana, following the two 45-day fill period process.
    • The dispensary must ensure that the patient or caregiver has not exceeded the purchase limits established by state regulations.
  7. Recommendation Verification:
    • Dispensary employees must verify that each recommendation for medical marijuana is complete, containing the necessary patient and physician information.
    • Each recommendation must be serially numbered and accounted for in the dispensary’s internal inventory system.
  8. Packaging and Labeling:
    • The dispensary’s name must be included on the packaging of any medical marijuana or medical marijuana product sold.
    • Each package sold must be placed in an unmarked, opaque bag before leaving the dispensary.
  9. Record Maintenance:
    • Dispensaries must maintain a record of each sale, purchase, and return of medical marijuana in the inventory tracking system established by the State Board of Pharmacy.

By adhering to these dispensing regulations, Ohio dispensaries can ensure the proper administration of medical marijuana, maintaining compliance with state laws and protecting the well-being of patients and caregivers.

Prescription Monitoring Program

To maintain compliance and ensure the responsible dispensing of medical marijuana, Ohio dispensaries must follow detailed procedures for the prescription monitoring program. Here are the key points:

  1. Electronic Transmission of Dispensing Information:
    • Dispensaries must electronically transmit specific information to the State Board of Pharmacy within five minutes of dispensing any medical marijuana.
    • The required information includes:
      • State license number
      • Dispensary name, address, and telephone number
      • Patient’s full name, registry identification number, residential address, telephone number, date of birth, and gender
      • Recommending physician’s full name, DEA identification number, date of recommendation issuance, and whether the recommendation is new or a refill
      • Details of the dispensed order, including order number, quantity, days’ supply, product identifier, payment code, and drug name
  2. Zero Report Requirement:
    • If a dispensary has no dispensing activity to report within a 24-hour period, it must submit a “zero report” to the State Board of Pharmacy.
    • The dispensing report or zero report must be consecutive and inclusive from the last date and time that information was submitted, reported no later than 36 hours after the last report.
  3. Business Hours Notification:
    • Dispensaries that are not open seven days per week must electronically indicate their normal business hours to the board. A zero report will be automatically submitted on non-business days.
  4. Notification of Dispensing Status:
    • If a dispensary temporarily ceases to possess medical marijuana for dispensing, it must notify the board electronically or in writing. The board must be notified if the dispensary resumes dispensing.
  5. Data Transmission Format:
    • All dispensing information must be transmitted in the format specified by the American Society for Automation in Pharmacy (ASAP) for prescription monitoring systems.
    • If a dispensary cannot electronically transmit the required information, it must immediately contact the board to establish an alternative reporting method and document the reasons for the inability to submit electronically.
  6. Confidentiality and Accuracy:
    • The transmission of information must ensure confidentiality, complying with federal and state laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
    • All dispensing information must be reported accurately and in a timely manner. Any omissions or errors must be corrected and submitted to the board during the next reporting period.
  7. Handling Data Errors:
    • If an omission or erroneous data is due to a computer programming error, the dispensary must notify the board immediately and submit written documentation detailing the error and proposing a date for correction.
  8. Electronic Submission:
    • Except for specific exceptions, all data must be submitted or corrected electronically unless prior permission for an alternate method is approved by the board.

By following these detailed procedures for the prescription monitoring program, Ohio dispensaries ensure proper documentation and compliance, helping to prevent misuse and ensure the safe dispensing of medical marijuana.

Destruction and Disposal of Cannabis

To ensure compliance with Ohio state laws, dispensaries must follow strict procedures for the destruction and disposal of medical marijuana. Below are the key points:

  1. Methods of Destruction:
    • Medical marijuana products must be destroyed by rendering them either unusable or non-retrievable.
    • Methods to render marijuana waste unusable include grinding the marijuana waste and mixing it with other ground material so that the resulting mixture is at least 50% non-marijuana waste.
  2. Notification Requirements:
    • Dispensaries must notify the State Board of Pharmacy at least seven days prior to rendering medical marijuana unusable and disposing of it.
    • The notification should include the date and time the marijuana will be rendered unusable or non-retrievable and disposed of. Regularly scheduled destruction times may be communicated once, with any changes reported as necessary.
  3. Types of Waste:
    • Compostable Mixed Waste: May include food waste, yard waste, vegetable-based grease or oils, and other approved organic materials.
    • Non-Compostable Mixed Waste: May include paper waste, cardboard waste, plastic waste, soil, and other approved non-organic materials.
  4. Disposal Facilities:
    • Rendered unusable marijuana waste can be disposed of at permitted solid waste facilities. For compostable waste, this includes compost facilities and anaerobic digesters. Non-compostable waste can be taken to landfills or incinerators.
  5. Security Measures:
    • All external refuse containers must be maintained in a locked condition and secured to prevent unauthorized access.
    • The destruction process requires at least two employees, including one key employee to witness the destruction.
    • Destruction must occur in a designated area under full video surveillance.
  6. Documentation and Record Keeping:
    • The weight of marijuana to be destroyed must be recorded and entered into the inventory tracking system before it is rendered unusable.
    • Electronic documentation of destruction and disposal must be maintained for at least three years.
  7. Return of Medical Marijuana:
    • Dispensaries may offer patients and caregivers the service of returning unused medical marijuana for destruction.
    • A policy for accepting returns must be developed and approved by the State Board of Pharmacy. All returned marijuana must be logged into the state inventory tracking system.
  8. Refunds and Recalls:
    • Patients can return defective products, products that do not match the purchase receipt, or mislabeled products. Dispensaries may offer refunds, coupons, or credits for returned products.
    • Recalled products must be returned to the dispensary where they were purchased for destruction, with refunds provided if returned within 30 days of the recall notice.

By adhering to these guidelines, Ohio dispensaries can ensure the secure and compliant destruction and disposal of medical marijuana, maintaining the integrity of their operations and safeguarding against unauthorized access or misuse.

Cannabis Purchase Limits

Ohio dispensaries must adhere to specific limits on the quantity of medical marijuana that can be purchased by patients and their caregivers. The following guidelines outline these purchase limits:

  1. Minimum Purchase:
    • Patients and their caregivers can purchase no less than a whole day unit of medical marijuana at a single time. The quantities for each authorized form of medical marijuana are specified as follows:
      • Plant material: 2.83 grams
      • Patch for transdermal administration, lotion, cream, or ointment: Up to 295 milligrams of THC
      • Oil, tincture, capsule, or edible for oral administration: Up to 110 milligrams of THC
      • Oil for vaporization: Up to 590 milligrams of THC
  2. Maximum Purchase:
    • Patients and caregivers can collectively purchase no more than a ninety-day supply of medical marijuana, which is defined by the two forty-five-day fill period process.
    • A ninety-day supply consists of ninety whole-day units aggregated across different forms of medical marijuana.
  3. 90-Day Supply Defined by Form:
    • Plant material: 9 ounces (254.7 grams)
    • Patch for transdermal administration, lotion, cream, or ointment: 26.55 grams of THC
    • Oil, tincture, capsule, or edible for oral administration: 9.9 grams of THC
    • Concentrate oil for vaporization: 53.1 grams of THC
  4. Special Provisions for Terminal Illness:
    • Patients diagnosed with a terminal illness and their caregivers can also purchase a maximum of a ninety-day supply of medical marijuana. The limits and definitions remain the same as those for other patients.
  5. Purchase Limits Compliance:
    • Dispensary employees must ensure that the number of whole-day units purchased by a patient or caregiver does not exceed the number of days remaining in their fill periods as established by the state regulations.

By following these guidelines, Ohio dispensaries can ensure that they comply with state laws regarding the purchase limits of medical marijuana, thereby supporting the controlled and responsible use of cannabis for medical purposes.

Ohio Cannabis Laws FAQs

Is weed legal in Ohio?

As of December 7, 2023, Ohio has legalized adult-use cannabis for individuals 21 and over. Adults can legally possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis or up to 15 grams of cannabis extract and can grow up to six marijuana plants per adult (with a maximum of 12 plants per household). Additionally, Ohio has a medical marijuana program that allows qualifying patients to purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries.

How much is marijuana taxed in Ohio?

In Ohio, medical marijuana is subject to a 5.75% state sales tax. Local jurisdictions may also impose their own cannabis sales tax, which can range from 0.25% to 2.25%.

Is it legal to grow marijuana in Ohio?

For adults 21 and over, it is now legal to grow up to six marijuana plants per adult, capped at 12 plants per household. Medical marijuana patients, however, are not allowed to cultivate their own marijuana and must purchase it from state-licensed dispensaries.

What are the qualifying conditions to get medical marijuana in Ohio?

To obtain a medical marijuana card in Ohio, a patient must have one of the following qualifying conditions:

  • AIDS
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Cachexia
  • Cancer
  • Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Epilepsy or another seizure disorder
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Glaucoma
  • Hepatitis C
  • Huntington’s disease
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Pain that is either chronic and severe or intractable
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Positive status for HIV
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Sickle cell anemia
  • Spasticity
  • Spinal cord disease or injury
  • Terminal illness
  • Tourette syndrome
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Ulcerative colitis

How much marijuana can I buy in Ohio?

Medical marijuana patients may purchase the following amounts per day:

  • 2.83 grams (1/10 of an ounce) of plant material
  • Up to 295 milligrams of THC in a lotion, cream, or ointment
  • Up to 110 milligrams of THC in oil, tincture, capsule, or edible for oral administration
  • Up to 590 milligrams of THC in oil for vaporization

For adult-use cannabis, individuals 21 and over can possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis or up to 15 grams of cannabis extract.

Disclaimer: The material contained on this website and any attached or referenced pages has been compiled by UZIO for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be and is not considered to be legal advice. This post is current as of [05-Aug-2024]. Cannabis regulations are rapidly changing, and legal advice of any nature should be sought from legal counsel.

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