Ohio Cannabis and Marijuana License

Do you want to learn about Ohio cannabis and marijuana license? If yes, then you are on the right track. This article will try to include all the important aspects that may interest you.

Medical Marijuana License

In 2016, after a number of failures, the State of Ohio legalized medical marijuana under Bill 523. Though at present it is legal, there are still rules to follow.

Even though MMJ became legal in 2016, dispensaries, however, opened their doors only in 2018. Today, there are 57 legal dispensaries. This way, residents will not be obliged to travel long distances.

At present, certificates are given for 4 main activities. Thus, there are 4 main Ohio cannabis and marijuana license types.

Dispensaries

Dispensaries are legal stores, where authorized residents can buy their due portion. At the moment, there is a decision to give the permits to 73 more applicants. As a result, the number of dispensaries is going to reach 130. This decision was made because of the growing number of patients. As of today, there are more than 168,571 cardholders. Moreover, this number is increasing every day.

There are several rules for getting a marijuana dispensary license:

• Applications are submitted in person
• Applicants should submit all their previous business licenses
• Submit financial statements
• The stores should be 500 feet and more away from schools and churches
• The staff should have valid IDs

Application fees are non-refundable. The registration fee is $5000. The main licensure fee is $80.000. In addition, the renewal fee is $80.000.

Cultivator’s license

Cultivators grow cannabis to sell to dispensaries or processors. Generally, the cultivation is controlled by the Department of Commerce. Generally, there are two types of cultivators certificates:

• Level I type allows cultivating up to 25.000 square footage area. The application fee is $20.000. If the applicant gets approval, the initial fixed fee is $180.000. The grower’s license renewal fee is $200.000.
• Level II allows cultivating up to 3000 square feet of area. The application fee for this type of cultivator’s license is $2000. In case of approval, the initial fixed payment is $18.000. The annual cultivator’s license renewal fee is $20.000.

According to the regulations, the cultivator must be able to provide a tracking system. Due to that, it will be possible to track and get relevant information.

Processor’s license

What do processors do? They buy cannabis from cultivators, process it, and concoct other products from it. Later, they sell the products to dispensaries. Still, it is possible to produce products that will not require special keeping conditions. There are several processor license types:

• Standalone facilities
• Plant-only processors
• Vertically integrated facilities

Processors can obtain weed from more than one cultivator. Also, they can sell it to different specialized shops. The permits are $10.000. The annual refreshment fee is $100.000.

Testing labs

Finally, to ensure product quality, special testing labs are organized. Testing of the products is essential. It helps to control the quality of MMJ.

This type of permit is given to institutes or private labs. The number of testing labs is unlimited.

MMJ labeling

The packaging of the products sold at dispensaries is essential. The labeling should include the following:

• Trade name, the cultivator’s license number
• The date and the quantity of the product
• Dispensary name, license number
• The patient or the caregiver’s name, the registration number
• Also, warnings and statements about the usage and transfer

MMJ card

So, what is a medical marijuana card? It is just a patient ID. When you register as an MMJ patient, the state gives it to you. They are issued solely by the State Board of Pharmacy. The card, in short, enables residents to legally buy cannabis.

To get the card you need to:

• See a certified doctor
• Have one of the conditions
• Be 18 or older
• Have a caregiver (for those under 18)

In addition, during your meeting with the certified doctor, you should have all the previous medical records. Consequently, this is helpful for you to prove your health condition.

In case you cannot visit a doctor, you can make an online meeting with a certified specialist. There are available telemedicine platforms in the state. So, this is quite helpful for patients, who are unable to go out because of their conditions.

The main requirements

So, what do you need to register as an MMJ patient in Ohio? So, there are some conditions you need to meet to become an MMJ patient in Ohio. You should be:

• At least 18 years old
• Minor with a legal caregiver
• Have a qualifying condition
• Maintain a special card given by a certified doctor

Qualifying conditions

After you visit a doctor, he/she will qualify you for a medical card. You must have one of the conditions below:

• Cancer
• Alzheimer’s disease
• AIDS
• Chronic traumatic encephalopathy
• Epilepsy or another seizure disorder
• Crohn’s disease
• Glaucoma
• Hepatitis C
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Spinal cord disease or injury
• Multiple sclerosis
• Traumatic brain injury
• Sickle cell anemia

At this point, you can purchase cannabis shortly after you get your medical card.

Who can be a caregiver?

A caregiver can buy, get, and take weed to an MMJ patient. Besides, each caregiver has up to three patients. Although, for each patient, the caregiver has to register separately. Accordingly, the payment for every patient is $25.

An Ohio MMJ caregiver should:

• Be the patient’s parent or legal guardian (for minors)
• 21 years and older
• Have a valid ID

Acceptable forms

In general, different states allow various forms. Here, the available forms are:

• Edibles
• Plant material
• Oils
• Lotions
• Creams
• Tinctures
• Patches

Where can you get MMJ?

Even if you have a card and a qualifying condition, you still cannot grow weed at home. It is strongly forbidden. Hence, you only get your weed at one of the licensed dispensaries. There are 57 legal shops for now and in every city, you can find one or more dispensaries.

The price of weed is certainly essential. Many cannot buy weed because of the high price. Thus, the high price still remains an issue. To enable better and easier access, the dispensaries offer discounts almost every month.

Possession amount

Patients can get a 90-day supply. Only limited amounts and forms are permitted. Besides, smoking is still illegal in the state. Moreover, the 90-day supply breaks down into portions:

• Tier 1 – 8 ounces
• Tier 2 – Five and three-tenths ounces
• The THC content in tinctures, oils, capsules, and edibles – nine and nine-tenths grams
• THC in vaporizable weed- fifty-three and one-tenths grams

Out of state medical cards

On the negative side, it is an actual issue. Many patients want to know if they may use their Ohio medical cards out of the state. Actually, there are a number of states in the USA that allow out-of-state cards. You can buy weed with your medical card from:

• California
• Alaska
• Colorado
• Nevada
• Arizona
• Oregon
• Michigan

Note that this list is not complete. There are about 20 states that allow out-of-state medical cards.

The residents of Ohio often prefer to buy their medical cannabis from Michigan. The reason is the lower and more affordable prices there.

Note that even though many Ohioans buy their weed from Michigan, it is still illegal to take it from state to state.

Recreational marijuana

So, recreational weed is not legal in Ohio. For years, it has caused discussions and rejections. Nonetheless, recently the attorney general certified the 2022 Ballot for its legalization. It is developed by the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol.

The proposal for legalization includes the following:

• 21 and older residents can have up to 2.5 ounces of weed
• Adults can grow plants at home (6 plants per person)
• A special Board will control the field
• 40 licenses will be for cultivators
• 50 licenses will be given to retailers

Anyways, whether marijuana use will be legalized in Ohio or not, is unknown.