The Status of Marijuana in Ohio and Proposed Changes

Ohio made history in November 2023, when voters passed Issue 2, legalizing recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older. The measure passed with 57% of the vote, signaling strong public support for marijuana reform in the state.

Fast forward to August 2024, and recreational marijuana sales officially launched, well, kind of. Not all dispensaries are selling to recreational customers yet. Only those with dual-use licenses are currently serving the adult-use market. For many Ohioans, access to recreational dispensaries is still limited.

Meanwhile, Ohio lawmakers are hard at work proposing new legislation to reshape what legalization looks like. From adjusting tax structures to imposing new criminal penalties, the future of marijuana in Ohio is evolving quickly.

Why Medical Marijuana Still Matters in Ohio

Even with recreational sales now legal, there are several important reasons why Ohio residents should consider getting or keeping their medical marijuana card:

1. Medical Marijuana Isn’t Subject to the 10% Excise Tax

Recreational marijuana purchases come with a 10% excise tax on top of regular state and local sales taxes. This tax goes toward funding social equity programs, local governments, addiction services, and administrative costs. But medical marijuana patients are exempt from the 10% excise tax, though they still pay city and state sales taxes.

That means if you’re a regular marijuana user, your costs can add up quickly without a card. Medical patients save money with every purchase.

2. Higher Purchase Limits for Medical Patients

Medical patients in Ohio are allowed to buy more marijuana than recreational customers. While recreational purchases are capped at 2.5 ounces of flower or 15 grams of concentrates every two weeks, medical patients often have access to higher thresholds depending on their doctor’s recommendation.

For patients using marijuana for chronic conditions, pain, or ongoing treatment, these limits are essential to ensure consistent access.

3. Exclusive Discounts at Dispensaries

Many Ohio dispensaries offer special discounts for medical marijuana patients, including daily deals, compassionate care programs, and veteran discounts. Some deals are only

available to cardholders.

You can check out our Ohio dispensary guide to find local deals near you.

4. More Dispensary Options for Medical Patients

As of now, not every dispensary is serving recreational customers. Dual-use licenses were only recently approved, and the rollout is ongoing. That means many dispensaries are still medical-only, giving patients priority access and less crowded waiting rooms.

In fact, as of July 2024, several dispensaries in Ohio still exclusively serve medical marijuana cardholders.

New Laws, New Limits

Despite voter approval of Issue 2, Ohio lawmakers continue to push legislation that could reshape the marijuana landscape.

Two proposed bills, Senate Bill 56 and House Bill 160, are currently making their way through the Ohio legislature. These bills aim to modify key parts of Issue 2, including:

• Limiting the number of marijuana business licenses to 350 statewide

• Restricting packaging that could appeal to minors

• Reducing home grow limits to six plants per household

• Creating new criminal penalties for unlicensed distribution or transport

While the stated goal is to enhance public safety and prevent underage use, many

advocates argue the proposals could drive consumers back into the illegal market and create confusion for legal users.

Tax Changes Could Hurt, Not Help, Consumers

Originally, the tax revenue from marijuana sales under Issue 2 was earmarked for social equity funds, addiction services, and local governments. But under the new House budget proposal, a large portion of the marijuana tax revenue could instead go toward law enforcement training and building jails.

This shift could put consumers in a bizarre position: paying taxes on legal marijuana purchases that ultimately fund criminal enforcement, often targeting the very activity now considered legal.

Concerns Around Criminal Penalties

One of the biggest points of contention in the proposed bills is the expansion of criminal penalties, including for transportation and driving under the influence of marijuana.

Currently, THC metabolites can stay in your system for days or even weeks, long after the psychoactive effects wear off. This raises concerns about Ohioans being prosecuted based on flawed roadside testing or simple possession of marijuana in a car without original packaging.

Groups like Cannabis Safety First and the Ohio Veterans’ Alliance for Medical Cannabis have testified against the proposed changes, urging lawmakers to revise the bills before final passage.

Summary

As of August 2024, recreational marijuana is legal and available in Ohio, but only at dispensaries with dual-use licenses. Currently, the state has 139 active dispensaries, with another 12 holding provisional licenses. In January 2024 alone, marijuana sales in Ohio topped $90 million, reflecting strong demand across the state. Despite legalization, many Ohioans continue traveling to Michigan in search of lower prices and better access. This ongoing trend highlights the need for a more inclusive, competitive, and affordable marijuana market within Ohio.

The marijuana landscape in Ohio is evolving quickly, and not always in ways that benefit consumers. Between limited access to recreational dispensaries, a 10% excise tax on adult-use products, and new criminal penalties being proposed, the smartest and most cost-effective way to access marijuana legally remains through the state’s medical program. 

As lawmakers continue to debate the future of marijuana policy in Ohio, one thing is certain, patients with a medical marijuana card are best positioned to navigate the changes ahead. Don’t wait until you’re stuck paying more or standing in long lines at overcrowded recreational shops. Schedule an appointment to get your Ohio medical marijuana card with us today! Get secure, reliable, and affordable access now.

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 an 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!

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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!