This is a good thing to wonder about. You certainly don’t want to get in trouble—but you’re also probably itching to use some cannabis, and are wondering exactly what is allowed, and what isn’t.
Maybe you’re a fan of everyone’s green plant—but you also want to obey the laws and stay out of expensive and inconvenient legal trouble.
You may be thinking to yourself:
What laws and rules exist that I could utilize to enjoy my favorite green herb without getting into some kind of legal entanglement?
These are great questions. In this blog post, we’re going to dive in deep and answer them.
This post will serve as your full guide to the legality of marijuana in the state of Ohio.
Ohio is actually a pretty ‘reasonable’ state in terms of marijuana legalization—though they’re still a bit behind the curve in the sense that recreational weed isn’t legal yet.
That being said, people who are suffering from a medical condition can usually get added to the state registry and buy medical cannabis legally (as long as it’s prescribed by their doctor).
So let’s talk about exactly how to make it happen.
1. Getting Started: Is Marijuana Legal In Ohio?
First of all, let’s set the record straight. Marijuana in the state of Ohio has a somewhat complicated history. Since 1975, possession of up to 100 grams has been decriminalized.
And in 2016, medical marijuana was legalized.
But to this day, recreational marijuana remains illegal in the state of Ohio. This means that if you want to buy or utilize marijuana, you’ll need a medical marijuana license to do so.
Thankfully, getting one isn’t too big of an issue. It’s just really important that you follow all applicable laws and work closely with your doctor.
Here’s how to do it.
2. How To Use Medical Marijuana In Ohio
To start with, every patient who wants to use medical marijuana in the state will need to register with the State Board of Pharmacy.
Thankfully, this is actually pretty simple—in the sense that if you have a medical condition of some kind, you’ll generally qualify for it.
However, in order to do this, you’ll first need to visit a qualified medical caregiver who can confirm that you have an illness that qualifies you for medical marijuana status.
Veriheal has a tool that walks you through this entire process in the state of Ohio—and honestly, that’s the best way to get the process of finding a caregiver and getting registered.
It’s really important that you:
- Use a registered physician
- Get a diagnosis from your physician that qualifies you
- Get your doctor to add you to the registry
- And use only legal dispensaries to purchase your cannabis product
Once you’re registered as a medical marijuana user, your registration will be valid for a year. After that, you’ll have to renew it.
3. Will My Medical Marijuana Status Be Made Available Publicly?
If you’re worried about your employer, your family, or anyone else being able to access your medical marijuana registration filing online, you don’t have to worry about it.
This is considered private information, and it isn’t publicly available.
The only people who will be checking your registration status would be your physician and/or the employees at the dispensary where you’re purchasing your cannabis products—for the purpose of verifying that they are, indeed, legally free to sell said products to you.
So, don’t worry. Nobody is going to print out a copy of it and give it to your boss or use it to ‘check up’ on what you do in your own time as a free citizen of the state of Ohio.
4. Where Can You Legally Buy Marijuana In The State Of Ohio?
If you’re a medical marijuana user, you can legally buy marijuana in the state of Ohio from legal retail dispensaries that are registered by the Board of Pharmacy.
You can find these dispensaries by checking Board of Pharmacy lists or maps, by asking your doctor for a referral, or by doing an internet search to find a dispensary near you, and then messaging or calling them to make sure that they are, indeed, a legal dispensary in the state.
Just make sure that you don’t buy your weed from anyone sketchy. This could land you in trouble.
You’re not allowed to buy cannabis off the street or from unauthorized dispensaries. So make sure to do your due diligence in this department before forking over your hard-earned cash.
If in doubt about a particular dispensary, ask your doctor if they’ve ever heard of it.
5. Can Minors Use Medical Marijuana In The State Of Ohio?
Yes, but only if a certified physician recommends it as treatment, if the minor and the physician are given the consent to continue with the treatment from a parent or legal guardian, and if the parents or legal guardians are present as caregivers for the minor.
This is a pretty well-regulated area of practice, and for good reason. Anytime there’s a minor involved, you want to be sure that the proper procedures are being followed for their safety.
6. Can You Grow Your Own Medical Marijuana In Ohio?
No. This is against the law, even if you’re legally allowed to use medical marijuana, and/or even if you’re cleared to buy it from a legal dispensary.
Growing marijuana in Ohio, unless you’re a legal grower, is prohibited by law.
7. How Much Marijuana Can You Possess At One Time As A Medical Marijuana User In The State Of Ohio?
You can obtain a 90-day supply as directed by your doctor when you visit your legal dispensary.
After this supply runs out, you’ll need to refill it.
Conclusion
There you have it. Your full guide to the legality of Marijuana in the state of Ohio.
Equipped with this information, you’re now ready to embark upon your own medical marijuana journey. Please make sure to follow local laws and enjoy your marijuana responsibly!
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