top of page

Ohio Bill Would Increase Recreational Marijuana Tax and Limit Home Grow

Christopher D.

Updated: Feb 7


Ohio Bill Would Increase Recreational Marijuana Tax and Limit Home Grow

Ohio’s marijuana market is undergoing significant legislative scrutiny, with new proposals aiming to reshape the state’s young recreational program. Since the launch of recreational marijuana sales on August 6, 2024, Ohio residents have enjoyed increased access to marijuana products. However, a recently introduced Ohio Senate bill (SB 56) seeks to increase the recreational marijuana excise tax from 10% to 15% and reduce the home grow limit from 12 plants to 6.


These potential changes have sparked debate among marijuana consumers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers. For Ohioans who rely on marijuana for medical purposes, these new restrictions reinforce why holding a medical marijuana card remains the most cost-effective and beneficial option.


Proposed Changes to Ohio’s Recreational Marijuana Market

Ohio’s recreational marijuana program is still in its infancy, yet lawmakers are already pushing for significant revisions. The two biggest proposed changes in SB 56 are:


1. Recreational Marijuana Tax Increase

Currently, recreational marijuana sales in Ohio are subject to a 10% excise tax, in addition to regular city and state taxes. The new bill proposes raising this excise tax to 15%, making recreational marijuana more expensive for consumers.


2. Home Grow Limit Reduction

Under current Ohio law, adults over 21 can cultivate up to 12 marijuana plants for personal use. If SB 56 is passed, this limit will be reduced to 6 plants, restricting the ability of recreational users to grow their own supply.


While proponents argue that these measures will increase state revenue for addiction services and law enforcement, critics say that the changes directly contradict what Ohio voters approved when legalizing recreational marijuana.


Why Recreational Marijuana Users Will Feel the Impact

Raising the excise tax from 10% to 15% means that recreational customers will pay significantly more at checkout. This increase would make Ohio one of the most expensive states for recreational marijuana, discouraging consumers and potentially pushing more buyers toward the illicit market to avoid the rising costs. Higher prices could also drive some consumers to explore alternative sources, reducing legal sales and impacting the regulated industry.


Adding to the challenges, not all dispensaries in Ohio serve recreational customers. Only dispensaries with a dual-use license can sell both medical and recreational marijuana, meaning that many locations remain exclusively medical. This restriction already limits access for recreational users, and an increased tax would only make legal marijuana purchases even less appealing.


For those who prefer to grow their own marijuana, options may become even more restrictive. Under current regulations, Ohioans can cultivate up to 12 plants for personal use, but the proposed bill would cut this limit in half, reducing it to 6 plants. This change would make home growing less viable for many recreational users, forcing them to purchase more from dispensaries, where they would also be subject to the higher excise tax. For individuals looking to reduce costs and maintain personal supply, this restriction further limits their ability to remain self-sufficient.


Why Medical Marijuana Is Still the Better Option in Ohio

Given these proposed changes, holding a medical marijuana card in Ohio remains the smarter financial and practical choice. Here’s why:


1. No Recreational Excise Tax

Medical marijuana patients are exempt from the 10% excise tax that recreational customers pay. If the new tax increase passes, medical cardholders will avoid the proposed 15% tax, leading to major savings over time.


Although medical patients still pay city and state sales tax, they do not have to pay the hefty recreational tax that makes marijuana significantly more expensive.


2. Higher Purchase Limits

Medical marijuana patients in Ohio enjoy higher purchase limits compared to recreational customers. This ensures that patients with chronic conditions can obtain the amount they need without restrictions.


3. Exclusive Medical Discounts at Dispensaries

Many Ohio dispensaries offer special discounts and promotions only for medical marijuana cardholders. These deals often include:


  • Reduced prices on select products

  • Loyalty programs for medical patients

  • Discounts on bulk purchases


(For more details, visit our site’s dispensary page, where we track the latest offers for medical marijuana patients.)


4. Guaranteed Access to Dispensaries

Since not all Ohio dispensaries serve recreational customers, medical marijuana patients have more options when purchasing their products. Dispensaries that only cater to medical users provide a more patient-focused experience, often with shorter wait times and better product availability.


5. Legal Protection and Peace of Mind

Holding a medical marijuana card gives patients additional legal protections. If any law enforcement or workplace issues arise, a medical card provides legal proof that the individual is using marijuana for legitimate health reasons.


The Future of Ohio’s Marijuana Market

The Ohio Senate is pushing to move SB 56 through the legislative process quickly, with lawmakers hoping to vote on the bill by February 2025. If passed, these changes would take effect later this year—meaning that recreational consumers could soon be paying significantly more for marijuana while facing tighter restrictions on home cultivation.


While recreational marijuana in Ohio is now legal, it is far from free of restrictions. Between the increased taxes, limited dispensary access, and reduced home grow limits, many Ohioans will find that a medical marijuana card offers a far superior and more affordable alternative.


Summary

With proposed tax hikes and growing restrictions on recreational marijuana, now is the time to get an Ohio medical marijuana card. If you want to avoid rising costs, gain access to exclusive discounts, and benefit from higher purchase limits, start the process today.


For more information on dispensaries, pricing, and how to apply for a medical marijuana card in Ohio, check out our site’s dispensary page for the latest updates and savings opportunities. By staying informed and taking action, Ohio marijuana consumers can navigate these changes wisely, ensuring they continue to access high-quality products at affordable prices.


Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today!

Having a medical marijuana card in Ohio offers numerous benefits over recreational use. With your medical card, you gain access to higher-quality, lab-tested products, personalized care from knowledgeable physicians, and exclusive dispensary discounts, ensuring you receive safe, effective, and affordable relief. Not to mention, the tax savings are significant when you have your medical card. 


Ohio’s medical marijuana program is tailored to prioritize patients’ needs, with evolving qualifying conditions and a commitment to improving access. Whether you’re managing chronic pain, anxiety, or another condition, your medical card empowers you to shop at licensed dispensaries with confidence, knowing you’re receiving products designed specifically for therapeutic use.


Thanks to telemedicine, obtaining your card is simple, quick, and convenient. With Ohio Marijuana Card, you can complete your evaluation and receive a recommendation on the same day—all from the comfort of home! Schedule your appointment today!


 

Doctors Who Care

Relief You Can Trust


At Ohio Marijuana Card, we’re here to make the process easy and stress-free. Our team is dedicated to helping you unlock the full benefits of Ohio’s medical marijuana program while improving your overall quality of life.


Don’t wait to start feeling better. Call us at (866) 457-5559 or schedule your evaluation today, and take advantage of the many benefits a medical card has to offer!


Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page