Ohio

Ohio has recently established a Medical Marijuana Program (MMP). So far, the state allows for a maximum of a 90-day supply of medical marijuana, although how much this is precisely is yet to be decided. Registration to the Ohio MMP is mandatory, and patients must possess a valid Medical Marijuana Identification Card (MMIC) in order to take advantage of the state’s MMP.

Those of you who are from Ohio and looking to visit California ought to book an appointment with Dr. Frank in order to get their medical marijuana card. You can take your appointment online if getting to California from Ohio proves to be too difficult. Of course, if you’re in town, feel free to book an appointment with Dr. Frank in-person, too.

In the meantime, here’s a guide to getting a medical marijuana card in Ohio …

Telehealth/In-Person

Telehealth/telemedicine available. However, relationship must first be established between patient and physician, whether in-person or via telehealth.

How Old Do I Have to Be to Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card?

18 years old or over. Caregivers must be 18 years old or over.

How Long Does it take to Get My MMJ Card?

Expect 30 – 60 days, as the medical marijuana program needs time to begin operations.

Cost

$50

Possession Limit (Medical Marijuana Patients)

No possession limits specified as of yet. Cannabis products may be dispensed as oils, tinctures, edibles, patches or herbal material.

Qualifying Conditions

• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease
• Cancer
• Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
• Crohn’s Disease
• Epilepsy
• Fibromyalgia
• Glaucoma
• Hepatitis C
• HIV/AIDS
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Chronic or Intractable Pain
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Sickle Cell Anemia
• Spinal Cord Disease or Injury
• Tourette Syndrome
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Ulcerative Colitis

Medical Marijuana Laws

2016 – Governor John Kasich signs House Bill 523 (HB 523), allowing for the use of marijuana for medical reasons. HB 523 allows for a patient to carry a 90-day supply of cannabis. Smoking cannabis is not approved, and only oils, patches, herbal material and tinctures are approved methods.

No possession limits determined as of yet for medical marijuana patients.

Home cultivation is prohibited.

Some legal protections for qualifying patients who acquire cannabis from out-of-state sources prior to the operation of state-licensed dispensaries.

For those without a medical marijuana card and recommendation, cannabis is decriminalized in Ohio to a certain extent. Possession of less than 100 g  (5 g solid hashish or 1 g liquid concentrate) doesn’t bring any charges, is a misdemeanor and has a maximum fine of $150. Possession of more than 100 g is a misdemeanor, but may bring with it up to 30 days’ jail time and/or a $250 fine. Possessing any more than 200 g is a felony.

Gifting someone cannabis 20 g or less is a misdemeanor with a $150 fine. A second offense may bring 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

Selling any amount of cannabis is a felony. Previous convictions of drug offenses bring harsher punishments, as does selling or possessing to a minor or anywhere near school grounds.

Cultivation is seen as possession, although may be used as evidence of intention to distribute, depending upon how much yield and how many plants the offender has.

Possession of paraphernalia is a misdemeanor and can bring with it a $150 fine.

Sale of paraphernalia brings a maximum fine of up to $750.

Any drug conviction, including possession/sale of paraphernalia, may result in a driving license suspension of between 6 months and 5 years.