Marijuana Laws and Regulations in Ohio

Marijuana laws and regulations in Ohio have evolved significantly over the past several years. While the state has not yet fully legalized recreational marijuana, it has embraced certain forms of legalization for medical purposes. Understanding Ohio's complex marijuana legal landscape is essential for residents, potential patients, and entrepreneurs interested in the cannabis industry.

Medical Marijuana Legalization

Ohio legalized medical marijuana on September 8, 2016, with the passage of House Bill 523. The bill allows patients with qualifying medical conditions to use medical marijuana upon receiving a recommendation from a certified physician. The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program (OMMCP) oversees the implementation and regulation of the medical marijuana program in the state.

Qualifying Medical Conditions

Under Ohio law, a patient must have one or more of the following qualifying medical conditions to be eligible for a medical marijuana recommendation:

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Alzheimer's disease
• Cachexia (wasting syndrome)
• Cancer
• Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)
• Crohn's disease
• Epilepsy or another seizure disorder
• Fibromyalgia
• Glaucoma
• Hepatitis C
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Pain that is either chronic and severe or intractable
• Parkinson's disease
• Positive status for HIV or AIDS
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Sickle cell anemia
• Spinal cord disease or injury
• Tourette's syndrome
• Traumatic brain injury
• Ulcerative colitis

Obtaining a Medical Marijuana Recommendation

To obtain a medical marijuana recommendation, patients must follow these steps:

1. Consult with a certified physician who can recommend medical marijuana.
2. If the physician determines that the patient qualifies, they will enter the patient into the Patient and Caregiver Registry.
3. The patient will receive an email to complete their registration and pay the associated fee.
4. Once registered, the patient can obtain medical marijuana from any of the state's licensed dispensaries.

Medical Marijuana Forms and Restrictions

Ohio law permits the use of medical marijuana in various forms, including oils, tinctures, plant material, edibles, patches, and vaporizers. However, smoking marijuana is not allowed. Patients can vaporize marijuana but cannot combust the plant material.

Possession Limits

Patients are allowed a maximum 90-day supply of medical marijuana, which varies depending on the form of marijuana. For example, a 90-day supply can be:

• Up to 8 ounces of plant material
• Up to 53.1 grams of THC content in oils, tinctures, capsules, and edibles
• Up to 26.55 grams of THC content in transdermal patches or lotions

Recreational Marijuana Status

As of the latest updates in 2023, Ohio has not legalized recreational marijuana. There have been several attempts to introduce legislation or ballot initiatives to make recreational use legal, but none have succeeded so far. Recreational offenders face various penalties, ranging from fines to potential jail time based on the amount in possession.

CBD and Hemp Laws

In addition to medical marijuana, Ohio has also regulated the sale and use of cannabidiol (CBD) products derived from hemp. The passage of Senate Bill 57 in 2019 legalized the cultivation and processing of hemp, aligning Ohio law with federal statutes. CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC to be legal in Ohio.

Future of Marijuana Legislation

The landscape of marijuana laws and regulations in Ohio is continuously evolving, with growing public support for wider legalization. While recreational marijuana remains illegal, ongoing legislative efforts and public pressure could lead to significant changes in the future. Residents and stakeholders need to stay informed about current laws and upcoming initiatives that might alter the state's marijuana regulations.

For now, Ohio's medical marijuana program offers patients with qualifying conditions an option for therapeutic relief, under strict regulations to ensure safe and responsible use.