Ohio's medical marijuana patient community will soon have a new place to access their medicine. The state recently awarded a medical marijuana dispensary certificate of operation to Parkland Ventures LLC for their proposed location at 2765 Gender Road in Columbus.
With this approval, Ohio has now issued 121 dispensary licenses across the state, slowly expanding patient access to the tightly regulated medical marijuana program. Parkland Ventures can now put the finishing touches on their build-out and prepare to open their doors in the coming weeks or months.
"We're thrilled to be joining the Columbus community and providing patients with a new option to purchase medical marijuana products," said a Parkland Ventures spokesperson. "Our team has put a tremendous amount of work into ensuring we meet all state requirements and can operate a top-notch facility."
Why Choose Medical Marijuana in Ohio?
For patients suffering from any of the two dozen qualifying medical conditions like cancer, chronic pain, PTSD and epilepsy, medical marijuana offers a safe alternative treatment. Rather than relying on pharmaceutical drugs that often carry negative side effects, marijuana can provide relief from severe symptoms with far less risk.
Additionally, Ohio's medical marijuana program imposes stringent testing standards to ensure all products sold at licensed dispensaries are free of contaminants and accurately labeled. Patients can purchase their medicine with confidence knowing it meets the state's high safety protocols.
However, patients must first obtain a medical marijuana card from a certified Ohio physician before they can legally purchase marijuana at any of the state's operating dispensaries, including Parkland's new Columbus location. The medical card process protects patient rights while regulating responsible access.
The Benefits of an Ohio Medical Marijuana Card
While a straightforward process, getting an Ohio medical marijuana card requires meeting certain criteria. Patients must be an Ohio resident with one of the state's approved qualifying conditions like HIV/AIDS, chronic traumatic encephalopathy or inflammatory bowel disease.
After an in-person or telemedicine evaluation by a certified physician, approved patients receive a recommendation and can register for their Ohio medical marijuana card through the state patient & caregiver registry. Annual renewal of the card and periodic follow-up appointments are required.
But for those who do qualify, the benefits of legally accessing medical marijuana products can be life changing. In addition to relief from pain and other severe symptoms, medical marijuana offers a natural alternative to addictive opioids and other pharmaceuticals that often carry risky side effects.
Legally purchasing regulated marijuana products from state-licensed dispensaries also eliminates any uncertainty about quality or safety compared to illicit marijuana sources. Ohio's program requires rigorous testing standards and seed-to-sale tracking to ensure only high-quality medicine reaches patients.
Ohio's Expanding Medical Marijuana Program
The opening of Parkland Ventures' new Columbus dispensary reflects the steady growth of Ohio's medical marijuana program since its launch in 2019. The state now has approved over 120 dispensary locations to serve its 350,000+ registered patients.
In addition to the new Columbus dispensary, the state also recently issued an operating certificate to Ohio Holistic Health LLC for a dispensary at 215 W 5th St in Delphos. More dispensary openings are expected throughout 2024 as the program continues expanding statewide patient access.
Nonetheless, registered Ohio patients can choose from a wide variety of product types, strains, and cannabinoid profiles sold at licensed dispensaries to find the optimal treatment for their particular condition.
Navigating Ohio's Medical Marijuana Landscape
While the new Columbus dispensary is a positive development for local patients, navigating Ohio's medical marijuana regulations can still prove challenging for many. That's why consulting with an experienced medical marijuana doctor is highly recommended.
"Because of all the restrictions around Ohio's program, it's really important for new patients to get guidance on things like qualifying conditions, caregiver rules, legal protections and more," said Dr. Michael Berns, a Cleveland-based cannabinoid medicine specialist. "We help simplify that entire process so patients can focus on getting the treatment they need."
In addition to providing medical marijuana recommendations and issuing cards, Dr. Berns noted that physicians in the space also play a key role in developing treatment plans, monitoring results and making any necessary adjustments based on the patient's specific situation.
"Just like any other medicine, there's still a learning curve when it comes to finding the optimal cannabis regimen," he explained. "Having an experienced doctor to work through that process alongside them makes a big difference for patients."
The Future of Medical Marijuana in Ohio
Looking ahead, industry observers anticipate ongoing growth and enhancements within Ohio's medical marijuana program. Discussions are already underway about potentially expanding the list of qualifying conditions and allowing new forms of consumption, such as vaporizing marijuana flower.
Additionally, while Ohio has indeed passed a law for adult-use marijuana, residents are not yet able to purchase it for recreational use. The necessary infrastructure and regulations for retail sales are still being established, with the possibility that sales could begin as early as June.
For now, obtaining an Ohio medical marijuana card remains the only legal avenue for state residents to purchase and consume marijuana for medical purposes. The new Parkland Ventures dispensary in Columbus is part of this expanding landscape, offering more options and convenience for registered patients.
Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today!
Ohio continues to expand its medical marijuana program and make residents’ lives easier by passing new progressive legislation. The addition of new qualifying conditions means that many more people will now be eligible for their medical card.
If you think you could benefit from medical marijuana, there is a good chance you qualify!
You need your medical card to access any of Ohio’s medical dispensaries. Not to worry, because it is now easier than ever to get your card with Ohio Marijuana Card!
In Ohio, there are many conditions that may make you eligible for medical marijuana, and we hope the program continues to expand by adding more conditions soon! If you have questions about whether you qualify, we can help with that too!
In order to visit a dispensary in the State of Ohio, you will need your medical marijuana card. With telemedicine, you can even get your card from the comfort of your own home!
If you don’t already have your card, we can help! You can even have your appointment and recommendation on the same day!
Schedule an appointment with one of our physicians today to see if you qualify.
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Relief You Can Trust.
Here at Ohio Marijuana Card, our goal is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at (866) 457-5559, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!