Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Card: Why It’s Still Worth Having

It’s been a little over a year since Ohio became the 24th state to legalize adult-use cannabis. This change officially launched on December 7, 2023, after Issue 2 was approved by voters in the previous November. The first licensed sales of Ohio recreational cannabis later began on August 6, 2024.

However, even in the short amount of time recreational marijuana has been legal in Ohio, changes to the recreational program have been sought out —and now, even more significant changes affecting this program are being proposed. 

In this article, you’ll see how Ohio’s recreational program has been going since legalization – and why an Ohio medical marijuana card is still worth having. 

Ohio’s History of Legalizing Marijuana Medically

Ohio’s medical marijuana legalization journey began in 2016 after a rejected ballot measure by then-Attorney General Mike DeWine. Despite this, Governor Kasich signed the bill into law, making Ohio the 25th state to legalize medical cannabis. 

The program finally became operational in 2018, allowing patients with qualifying conditions access to cannabis in forms like oils and edibles—though home cultivation was still prohibited. 

By December 2023, over 410,000 patients were registered, setting the stage for Ohio’s recreational marijuana legalization in 2023.

The Current Recreational Cannabis Program in Ohio: How It’s Going a Year Later

Ohio’s recreational cannabis program, launched in August 2024, has been a notable success. In the first five days of legal sales, the state generated over $11.5 million in revenue, distributing over 1,200 pounds of marijuana flower and more than 170,000 cannabis products. 

This surge in sales reaffirms the strong demand for recreational cannabis in Ohio, and it has already become a major revenue source for the state. 

As of early 2025, around 128 municipalities, representing about 15% of the state’s population, have placed moratoriums on cannabis businesses. This essentially limits access to recreational cannabis in those regions. 

The program has been well-received by Ohioans, with its economic benefits aiding community initiatives and education. The successful legalization of recreational cannabis in Ohio will hopefully serve as an example for other states considering legalization.

Currently, in Ohio, recreational marijuana use is legal for adults 21 and older, but with some key restrictions:

• Possession: Adults can possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis or 15 grams of extract.
• Cultivation: Up to six plants per household can be grown, or twelve if multiple adults live there.
• Forms: Available as flowers, extracts, edibles, oils, and other product forms. 
• Use Restrictions: No public use or consumption in vehicles.
• Workplace: Employers can enforce drug-free policies, affecting employees even if cannabis is legal under state law.
• Sales: Only licensed dispensaries can sell marijuana to adults with valid ID.
• Taxes: Cannabis purchases are subject to an excise tax, affecting costs.

Changes on the Horizon: Potentially Major Reform of Recreational Cannabis Laws in Ohio

Ohio’s recreational cannabis program is still evolving, with lawmakers debating reforms through Senate Bill 56 (SB 56). This bill revises the Issue 2 law approved by voters in November 2023. SB 56 has already been revised from its original reform proposals, now called the SB 56 Substitute. 

It introduces expungement provisions for past convictions and aims to merge the medical and recreational cannabis programs. While supporters argue it provides more control, critics warn some items on the bill could limit local funding and consumer freedoms. 

Here are the key proposed reforms in SB 56 compared to Issue 2, according to Ohio’s Drug Enforcement and Policy Center:

Taxation & Revenue Allocation

Issue 2: 10% excise tax, revenue split between social equity programs (36%), local governments (36%), and substance abuse programs (25%).

SB 56 (Original): Increased excise tax to 15% and redirected all revenue to the state’s General Revenue Fund.

SB 56 (Substitute): Restores the 10% tax and keeps the original revenue allocation.

Licensing & Cultivation

Issue 2: Allowed Level I, II, and III cultivator licenses, with 40 social equity licenses.

SB 56 (Original & Substitute): Eliminates Level III licenses, reducing small-scale cultivation opportunities. A Level III adult-use cultivator license allows the holder to grow, distribute, and sell cannabis to other licensed businesses. However, it does not permit cultivation for personal or household use.

Issue 2: No cap on dispensary licenses, with periodic market reviews.

SB 56: Caps dispensaries at 350 statewide and removes rules limiting individual license ownership.

Home Cultivation & Use Restrictions

Issue 2: Allowed 6 plants per person (12 per household).

SB 56: Maintains home cultivation but bans gifting plants to others.

Issue 2: No restrictions on where cannabis can be smoked.

SB 56: Ban smoking in public spaces and only allow it in private residences.

THC Limits & Product Regulations

Issue 2: Allowed THC levels up to 35% for plant products and 90% for extracts.

SB 56: Reduces THC limits to 35% for plant material and 70% for extracts.

SB 56: Introduces strict advertising and packaging restrictions and requires state approval of marketing materials, making things more challenging for dispensaries—especially for smaller businesses. 

Social Equity & Expungement Provisions

Issue 2: Created a Cannabis Social Equity and Jobs Fund and granted 40 social equity licenses.

SB 56 (Original): Eliminated the social equity fund and licenses.

SB 56 (Substitute): Restores the fund but removes the detailed social equity program structure.

Issue 2: No expungement provisions.

SB 56 (Substitute): Allows expungement for past low-level marijuana offenses (possession under 2.5 oz or 15g hashish).

Local Government Control

Issue 2: Allowed municipalities to ban new dispensaries but protected existing businesses.

SB 56: Expand local control, letting municipalities limit or ban cannabis businesses, even those already operating.

In mid-February 2025, Ohio lawmakers heard over two hours of testimony on Senate Bill 56, which proposed significant changes to the state’s recreational marijuana law. Most speakers opposed the bill, arguing it went against the will of voters who approved legalization in November 2023.

The ACLU of Ohio and cannabis advocates argue that Senate Bill 56 disregards voter approval and prioritizes government benefits over consumers. They believe the bill will financially favor the government while negatively impacting consumers’ rights and access to cannabis.

Senator Steve Huffman, who sponsors the bill, insists it focuses on improving government efficiency, ensuring consumer safety, and maintaining access to legal cannabis.

The Senate General Government Committee postponed a scheduled vote on the bill, with lawmakers planning to revisit the issues.

While Senate Bill 56 may or may not pass, it’s likely not the end of some lawmakers trying to change the regulations regarding recreational cannabis in Ohio.

Benefits of Obtaining or Retaining a Medical Marijuana Card in Ohio

Although recreational cannabis is legal in Ohio, there are still significant advantages for those who obtain or renew their medical marijuana card. 

These benefits will remain in effect even if future reforms impose restrictions on the state’s recreational cannabis laws. These benefits include:

Higher Possession Limits:

Medical marijuana patients in Ohio can possess up to a 90-day supply of cannabis. A 90-day supply is defined as:

• Dry Flower: 9 oz. (254.7 g) of plant material
• Topicals: 26.55g of THC content in patches, lotions, creams, or ointments
• Edibles & Tinctures: 9.9g of THC content in oil, tincture, capsule, or edible form for oral administration
• Vaporization Oils: 53.1g of THC content in medical marijuana oil for vaporization.

Ohio MMJ cardholders can even visit multiple dispensaries in a single day as long as their total purchases do not exceed their 45-day allotment. This is significantly higher than the limits set for recreational users, who can only possess 2.5 ounces and have the same 2.5-ounce daily limit on cannabis purchases.

Saving Money and Lower Sales Taxes:

Medical cannabis is exempt from the 10% excise tax applied to recreational marijuana, making it more affordable for patients. Ohio Medical Marijuana patients are only subject to the standard state and local sales taxes, typically ranging from 5.25% to 7.50%. 

Because of the higher amount of cannabis possession allowed, buying in bulk when dispensaries run deals or specials can also help medical marijuana consumers save significant money in the long run and can make fewer trips to dispensaries. 

More Dispensary Options:

15% of the state’s population has placed moratoriums on recreational cannabis businesses, limiting access to recreational cannabis in those regions. Medical cardholders have many more options for where they can buy cannabis products.  

Priority at Dispensaries:

Some dispensaries offer a discount of 15% or more off the total bill every visit for medical cardholders only.  Ohio dispensaries may also have separate lines and waiting periods for those who are purchasing recreationally versus medically. Typically, medical marijuana patients will be served first and have minimal or no wait times compared to those there to purchase marijuana recreationally.

Access to Medical-Grade Products:

State-licensed dispensaries provide a broader selection of medical-grade cannabis products designed for specific medical conditions. These specialized products may not be available at recreational dispensaries.

Legal Protections:

Medical marijuana patients in Ohio benefit from extra legal protections, including more safeguards against adverse employment actions and certain legal issues related to marijuana use.

Age Restrictions:

While recreational cannabis is restricted to those 21 and older, medical marijuana patients can be younger if they have a qualifying condition and a recommendation from a licensed MMJ doctor.

How to Obtain a Medical Marijuana Card in Ohio

Fortunately, there is a wide range of conditions that qualify Ohioans for a medical marijuana card, listed on the Ohio medical marijuana program site.

The process for obtaining a medical marijuana card is simple, starting with a consultation with a licensed doctor, followed by state registration for your card. 

The cost for a full medical evaluation, consultation with a licensed Ohio practitioner, and medical marijuana certification is only $199—which will pay itself back quickly in purchase cost and tax savings at the dispensary from being a medical cannabis cardholder. You can also receive a discount for signing up with a friend or family member, bringing the total to $379 for both. An additional state application fee of $0.01 is also required.

Veriheal can help you find a medical marijuana doctor and give you more details on the process for obtaining a medical marijuana card in Ohio.

Final Takeaways

Despite the recent legalization of recreational cannabis in Ohio, keeping or obtaining a medical marijuana card continues to offer valuable benefits. Patients enjoy higher possession limits, tax savings with lower excise rates, priority access at dispensaries, and the availability of specialized medical-grade products. 

These advantages are vital amidst ongoing changes to Ohio’s recreational cannabis program.