In a move that increases affordability and accessibility, the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control announced that effective Wednesday, May 15th, 2024, the medical marijuana patient and caregiver registration fee is eliminated. This is a substantial change from the previous $50 annual fee for patients and $25 for caregivers.
The registration process has been further streamlined - patients and caregivers simply need to access the Medical Marijuana Patient & Caregiver Registry, confirm their information is correct, and select "Activate Card" or "Renew Card" without any payment required. Detailed instructions can be found at www.com.ohio.gov/mmcppatients.
The Benefits of an Ohio Medical Marijuana Card
While the $50 patient fee removal provides cost savings, there are numerous other advantages to obtaining an Ohio medical marijuana card that make it worthwhile:
Tax Savings: Adult-use marijuana sales, expected to begin sometime in 2024, will carry an additional 10% tax that medical marijuana patients avoid.
Expanded Access : Ohio's medical program has already licensed 123 dispensaries statewide, with more expected. Many areas have multiple dispensary options that adult-use consumers won't initially have access to.
Disability/Indigent Discounts: Qualifying patients can receive discounted medical marijuana pricing based on disability or income status - a benefit not available to recreational consumers.
Product Variety: Dispensaries often have a wide range of over 200 marijuana flower strains, edibles, vapes, and other products geared specifically towards medical needs that recreational dispensaries may not prioritize.
The Marijuana Patient Experience in Ohio
One advantage current medical patients have is familiarity with the system. Most Ohio dispensaries have online ordering, some with drive-thru service.
New adult-use consumers will need to complete intake forms to register with each dispensary they visit. These profiles allow earning loyalty rewards and accessing special deals. While heavy marketing restrictions remain an obstacle, dispensaries are finding ways to advertise through permitted channels like websites detailing their product menus and pricing.
The increased competition and supply has driven down Ohio dispensary pricing. It's now possible to find ounces of quality flower for $129 or less, with vape cartridges available under $15 in many cases. Marijuana firms eagerly await the coming social equity licensing rounds, which will award 50 new dispensary licenses and 40 cultivation licenses through a process managed by the Ohio Minority Business Development Division to ensure equity.
Why Medical Marijuana Remains the Right Choice
Even as the state's marijuana access expands, pursuing an Ohio medical marijuana card carries distinct advantages:
Tax savings on products
Expanded dispensary access and medical product variety
Disability/income-based pricing discounts
Easier, more affordable patient registration process
Legal protections associated with medical use
The elimination of the state's patient fee reduces yet another barrier for those seeking legal access to medical marijuana in Ohio. Patients can reap the benefits of higher affordability and more streamlined registration while still enjoying the advantages that come with obtaining an Ohio medical marijuana card.
Summary
The elimination of the patient and caregiver registration fee in Ohio is a significant step forward in making medical marijuana more accessible and affordable for those who need it most.
This change not only reduces the financial burden on patients and caregivers but also signifies a positive shift in the state's approach to medical marijuana. With the program continuing to evolve and expand, Ohio's medical marijuana industry is poised for further growth and innovation.
Whether you're considering medical marijuana for the first time or looking to renew your registration, now is an excellent time to explore the benefits of Ohio's medical marijuana program and discover how it can improve your quality of life.
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!
As of now, you need your medical card to access any of Ohio’s marijuana 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.
Doctors Who Care.
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!