The Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry Guide [2024]
Medical content reviewed by Dr. Shatha Atiya on March 8, 2024
Welcome to the best guide on the Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry!
By the end of this page, you will have the answers to these questions:
- What should I know about the Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry?
- How do I apply for a medical marijuana card in Ohio online?
- What are the Ohio medical marijuana rules?
All the information on this page comes from the official Ohio Department of Commerce: Division of Cannabis Control website. So, you can trust you are reading an accurate and up-to-date resource. Let’s proceed.
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How to Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Ohio Online
The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program (OMMCP) requires patients to complete a two-step process before they can access medical marijuana in the state.
1. Get a marijuana recommendation from an Ohio doctor with a Certificate to Recommend (CTR).
2. Complete a medical card application on the Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry.
Once you complete both steps, you can lawfully buy, use, and possess medical marijuana in Ohio.
Which documents do I need for my Ohio medical card application?
You will need to provide our Ohio medical marijuana doctor with your email and proof of Ohio residency. With those details, they can create your profile on the Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry. Examples of acceptable proof of Ohio residency could include:
- Ohio driver’s license
- Ohio identification card issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
- Or any other form of identification approved by the Board of Pharmacy to prove Ohio residency.
Step 1: Speak With an Ohio Medical Marijuana Doctor
Getting a cannabis recommendation is step one in the Ohio medical marijuana card application process. Quick Med Cards makes it easy for you to speak with a licensed cannabis doctor in Ohio. Because we support telemedicine, you can complete this step of your medical card application from wherever you are in Ohio.
1. Schedule an appointment with one of our Ohio medical marijuana doctors.
2. Attend your online marijuana evaluation via video call.
3. Our doctor will create your patient profile on the Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry if you qualify.
4. Next, the physician will upload the recommendation directly to the Registry.
And just like that, you are halfway done with your Ohio medical card application.
Step 2: Complete your Medical Card Application on the Ohio Marijuana Registry
The instructions below detail how to complete your MMJ card application on the Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry. By completing this step, you will also confirm your registration with the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program (OMMCP).
1. Access your email account and locate the message from the Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry. You can go through your junk or spam folder if the email is not in your primary inbox.
2. Next, click the link in the email, and you will land on a page to create a password for your patient registry account.
3. Create your password and sign into your account. Then, select your preferred time zone from the dropdown menu to head to the Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry home page.
4. Navigate to the Registry Details section, click on the Card tab, and select ACTIVATE CARD.
5. Go ahead and click ACCEPT after reviewing the legal statement and advance to the payment summary page. Now, click PROCEED TO PAYMENT.
6. Enter your payment information on the payment page to pay for your medical card.
7. After your payment goes through, you can access your active Ohio medical marijuana card on the Card tab of the Registry Details section.
Can you believe it? That is all it took to get your Ohio medical marijuana card. Feel free to download or save your med card. You can now go to any dispensary in Ohio and get your dose of medicinal cannabis.
How do I download my Ohio medical marijuana card?
The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program (OMMCP) does not issue physical med cards. So, you must download the digital version from your patient registry account once you complete your registration. Then, you can present the digital version, or if you like, a printed version of your medical card, to OH dispensary agents when you buy MMJ.
To access your Ohio medical marijuana card:
1. Visit the Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry and log in to your patient account.
2. On the home page, navigate to the Card tab of the Registry Details section to access your medical card.
3. Finally, click DOWNLOAD to save a digital copy of your Ohio MMJ card or print it out.
Voila! You just downloaded your Ohio medical marijuana card from the Registry.
How do I renew my Ohio medical card online?
The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program does not send patients reminders to renew their MMJ cards anymore. Thankfully, we notify our patients when the renewal window opens and before their med cards lapse.
You can begin your Ohio medical card renewal 30 days before your card expires. And renewing your med card is just as easy as getting it for the first time.
1. Start by scheduling an appointment with one of our Ohio medical marijuana doctors.
2. Next, visit the Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry website and log in to your account.
3. Navigate to the Card tab of the Registry Details section and click on the RENEW CARD button.
4. Follow the renewal process and pay the annual fee for your Ohio medical card.
5. Now, you can access your new medical marijuana card with a new expiration date.
6. Finally, click DOWNLOAD to print or save your Ohio medical card.
Great! You completed the renewal process for your Ohio medical card.
How much does it cost to renew your medical card in Ohio?
It costs $0.01 in government fees annually to renew your medical marijuana card in Ohio.
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Other Types of Medical Card Applications on the Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry
Below, we will cover step-by-step instructions on how to apply for an Ohio medical card as a patient with indigent or veteran status. We will also share instructions on registering as a caregiver on the Ohio Caregiver Registry. So, let’s get started!
How to Complete the Caregiver Application on the Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry
Before you can register as a caregiver in Ohio, you must satisfy the following requirements:
- You must be at least 21 years old. However, if you are the parent of a qualifying minor and you are below 21, then you may serve as their caregiver.
- You must be a resident of Ohio.
Moreover, the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program must confirm your eligibility before you receive your caregiver card. The review begins once you activate or renew your registration and pay for your caregiver card.
Also, a physician with a CTR must link you to your patient before you can apply for the caregiver card. So, the first step to becoming a caregiver is to have your patient request the recommending doctor to add you as their designated caregiver.
The recommending doctor will need your email and proof of residency so they can register you on the Caregiver Registry. For instance, your Ohio driver’s license or Ohio ID issued by the BMV.
Once the Ohio medical marijuana doctor creates your profile, you will receive an email from the Registry with a prompt to set up your account. Now you can follow the steps below to complete your caregiver registration.
1. Click the link in the email and set up your password.
2. Log into your Caregiver Registry profile.
3. Next, select ACTIVATE CARD under the Card tab of the Registry Details section.
4. Click ACCEPT once you review the legal statements, and select PROCEED TO PAYMENT to continue to the payment page.
5. Next, enter your payment information and pay for your medical card to initiate the review process by the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program.
6. Once the check is complete, you will get an email notifying you whether you qualify as a caregiver. If you pass the review process, head to your Caregiver Registry account and download your caregiver card.
How to Renew Your Caregiver Registration
You can renew your caregiver card within 90 days of your registration expiring. But the best time to renew your medical card is during the same month your medical card expires.
The instructions below detail how you can renew your Ohio caregiver card.
- Log in to your caregiver profile on the Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry.
- Afterward, click the RENEW CARD button to begin the renewal process.
- Your new caregiver card will be available once you pay your renewal fee.
- But the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program must complete the caregiver approval process before you can buy MMJ on your patient’s behalf once more.
The caregiver status check can take up to seven business days to complete. But it is usually much faster. After approval, you will receive an email notifying you of your submission’s completion.
Ohio Caregiver Rules
The Ohio caregiver card allows you to buy and possess medical marijuana for your patient. But you must adhere to the caregiver rules below:
1. You must register with the Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry to serve as a caregiver.
2. Caregivers cannot serve more than two patients.
3. Recommending physicians cannot serve their patients as caregivers.
4. You must provide your medical card and identification before entering any dispensary in Ohio.
5. You cannot exceed the purchase limits imposed by the OMMCP.
6. It is illegal to grow medical marijuana or manufacture medical marijuana extract.
7. Your caregiver card is non-transferable.
8. You can only buy medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries in Ohio.
9. Also, ensure you carry your medical card every time you have medical marijuana on you.
10. You must not exceed the possession limits for medical marijuana.
11. Ensure you store your patient’s cannabis in a secure location.
12. The medical marijuana you buy should remain in its original dispensing package or a container provided by a dispensary.
13. It is against the rules to possess or administer medical marijuana on federal property or in federal buildings.
14. Do not accept payment or compensation for services rendered as a caregiver. But you can receive reimbursement for expenses you incur while you serve as a caregiver.
15. You must dispose of medical marijuana in your possession within seven days of the expiration of your medical card or your patient’s medical card.
About the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program (OMMCP)
Ohio legalized medical marijuana on September 8th, 2016, through House Bill 523. What followed was the establishment of the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program (OMMCP). Its purpose? To regulate the state’s medical marijuana industry and ensure that Ohioans have access to a safe product.
The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program has many moving parts. Some of its responsibilities include licensing several components of the medical marijuana industry. So, to improve efficiency and service delivery, three state agencies run different facets of the program.
First is the Ohio Department of Commerce. Its responsibility involves supervising medical marijuana cultivators, processors, and testing laboratories.
The second state agency is the Ohio Board of Pharmacy. It handles medical marijuana dispensaries, registers patients and caregivers, and approves new forms of medical marijuana. Additionally, it coordinates with the Medical Marijuana Advisory Committee.
Lastly is the Ohio State Medical Board. The Medical Board certifies physicians so that they can recommend medical marijuana to Ohioans. Additionally, it is responsible for updating the Ohio medical marijuana list of conditions.
The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program has come a long way since its slow start. After all, it was not until January 16th, 2019, three years after marijuana legalization, that licensed dispensaries began selling medical marijuana to patients and caregivers.
What Are the Ohio Medical Marijuana Rules?
Indeed, your Ohio medical marijuana card grants you the privilege to buy, use, and possess medicinal cannabis legally. But it has its limits. So, ensure you follow the Ohio medical marijuana rules to maintain your privilege and avoid legal issues.
The following rules are essential for anyone with an Ohio medical card to follow:
- Do not accept free samples of medical marijuana.
- You cannot buy more than a 90-day supply of medical marijuana within 90 days. The 90-day supply includes the cumulative amount of MMJ you and your caregiver obtain.
- Do not sell your medical marijuana to any person, including other patients or caregivers.
- Do not allow others to use your medical marijuana card.
- It is unlawful to consume medical marijuana in any form prohibited under Ohio medical marijuana laws.
- Do not consume your medical marijuana in a place where consumption is prohibited. For example, any public or private location where cannabis is banned. And especially not on any federal property or federal building.
- Do not operate a vehicle, streetcar, trackless trolley, watercraft, or plane under the influence of medical marijuana.
- It is illegal to grow medical marijuana.
Key Takeaways
- Ohio legalized medical marijuana on September 8, 2016, through House Bill 523. As a result, the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program (OMMCP) came to be.
- An Ohio cannabis doctor must give you a medical marijuana recommendation, and you must complete an application on the Patient & Caregiver Registry to get a medical card.
- Caregivers must be at least 21 to be eligible. However, the age limit does not apply to parents/guardians of qualifying minor patients.
- Your Ohio medical card lets you buy and possess up to a 90-day supply of MMJ.
- The state fee for the Ohio medical marijuana card is $0.01.
Common Questions About the Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry
Do you still have questions about the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program or the state Registry? You may find the answers below.
Is an Ohio medical marijuana card public record?
No. All identifying information associated with your Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry is confidential and protected by state and federal laws. For example, your name, date of birth, address, or contact information.
As such, your Ohio medical marijuana card is not a public record. And no one will have access to your personal information. Also, HIPAA laws protect all the information you provide to your Ohio MMJ doctor. What about dispensary agents? Well, they can only use your med card to verify your status as a medical cannabis patient.
How do I register for medical marijuana in OH?
First, a physician with a Certificate to Recommend must confirm that you suffer from a qualifying condition.
Then, your doctor will create your patient profile on the Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry. Additionally, they will upload your recommendation to your profile. Next, you must log in to your registry account, complete your registration, and pay for your MMJ card. Later, you can download your Ohio medical marijuana card from your registry profile.
Can you buy a gun in Ohio if you have a medical marijuana card?
The issue of gun ownership and medical marijuana is a contentious one. Not just in Ohio but in all states with medical marijuana programs. Federal gun laws are clear; anyone using or addicted to a controlled substance cannot buy or own a firearm.
Yet, Ohio medical marijuana laws do not precisely prohibit users from owning or buying guns. This same murky line extends to Ohio’s concealed carry permit (CCW)–whether medical marijuana card holders can apply for or hold this permit.
Can my family doctor prescribe medical marijuana in Ohio?
Only a doctor who has applied for and received a Certificate to Recommend (CTR) from the State Medical Board of Ohio can recommend medical marijuana to Ohioans.
CTR-holders are licensed healthcare professionals who have undergone extensive training on how to treat qualifying conditions with medicinal cannabis. All our doctors at Quick Med Cards are CTR-holders and have years of experience treating debilitating illnesses with MMJ. So, schedule an online appointment with one of our doctors today. And get access to the therapeutic benefits of medical marijuana in Ohio.
How easy is it to get Ohio medical marijuana?
Quick Med Cards makes it easy for residents of Ohio to get medical marijuana. Thanks to telemedicine, there is no need to make a stressful trip to the doctor’s office. Wherever you are in Ohio, you can consult with one of our Ohio cannabis doctors online via video call.
And it takes less than 15 minutes. Once our doctor approves you for medical marijuana, they will create your profile on the Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry and upload your recommendation. Next, you will log in to your profile and pay for your medical card to activate it. Then, you can download or print your med card to use when buying MMJ from any dispensary in OH.
Can I grow marijuana in Ohio if I have a medical card in Ohio?
No. It is illegal to grow medical marijuana in Ohio, even with a valid medical card.
And engaging in cannabis cultivation could not only lead to serious penalties but could also cause a revocation of your medical card. The only way to grow medical marijuana in Ohio is to hold a cultivator license issued by the Department of Commerce.
What states honor an Ohio medical marijuana card?
The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program is not yet part of any formal reciprocity agreement. But the following states may recognize the Ohio medical marijuana card:
- Arkansas
- Hawaii
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- New Jersey
Still, ensure you are well-informed before you attempt to buy, possess, or use medical marijuana in another state with your Ohio med card.
How fast can I get a medical card in Ohio?
In a day! In minutes! It depends on how soon your physician creates your profile in the Ohio Marijuana Registry. And when you decide to pay for your medical marijuana card.
Your Ohio med card will be available for download immediately after you pay the state medical card fee. If you are a caregiver, getting your card won’t be instant. Usually, the OMMCP runs background checks on registered caregivers before issuing cards. While the process may take up to seven business days, it rarely takes that long.
How much is an Ohio medical marijuana appointment?
Quick Med Cards connects you to compassionate, expert, and licensed medical marijuana doctors for the lowest price in Ohio. Depending on your case, condition, or health needs, our medical marijuana appointment costs range from $45 to $149.
As of March 4th, 2024, the registry fee has dropped from $50 to $0.01. This is in an effort to fully eliminate the registry fee in the future.
How many edibles can I buy in Ohio?
Edibles are legal in Ohio, and they are a potent form of medical marijuana. You can buy as many edibles as you want from Ohio dispensaries. Just do not exceed your 45-day limit during your 45-day fill period.
Over 90 days, you can have as much as a 90-day supply of edibles. So, 4.95 g of THC content in your edibles over 45 days and 9.9g of THC content in your edibles over 90 days.
Can you get an MMJ card online in Ohio?
Getting an MMJ card in Ohio is a 100% online process. Yes, you can even get a marijuana recommendation online. With Quick Med Cards, you can get your cannabis recommendation after a brief video call with one of our physicians.
And you can complete your med card registration on the Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry on your phone. Would you like to get started? Then schedule an appointment with one of our Ohio medical marijuana doctors today!
How much does it cost to get a medical card in Ohio?
As of March 4th, 2024, the registry fee has dropped from $50 to $0.01. This is in an effort to fully eliminate the registry fee in the future.
Besides the state medical card fee, you will also have to pay a fee for a consultation with an Ohio medical marijuana doctor. Quick Med Cards is the cheapest provider in the state. And it costs between $45 to $149 for your cannabis recommendation.
Where can I smoke with my medical card in Ohio?
Smoking medical marijuana at home is the most appropriate and safe option. That way, you avoid unnecessary attention and the possibility of breaking any laws.
Some public spaces allow the consumption of MMJ. But you should keep off locations that do not condone its use. Most importantly, do not smoke or possess medical marijuana on federal property or buildings. Doing so violates the Ohio medical marijuana rules and could result in penalties.
Can you get a medical marijuana card in Ohio if you are a felon?
Being a felon does not disqualify you from getting an Ohio medical marijuana card as a patient. You can get a med card as long as you are a resident of Ohio with one of the qualifying conditions for a medical card.
But the same cannot be said for those who wish to serve as caregivers. The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program runs background checks when reviewing caregiver applications. And if your name appears in any database, then your registration as a caregiver may be rejected.
Is there a limit to how much medical marijuana you can buy in Ohio?
You can have as much as a 90-day supply of medical marijuana, which translates to roughly 9 ounces of cannabis flower. But you cannot buy an entire 90-day supply in a day.
The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program split the 90-day limit into two 45-day periods called fill periods. So, within a 45-day fill period, you can buy as much as 4.5 ounces of cannabis flower. Therefore, you can buy as much as 4.5 ounces of cannabis flower in one day from a dispensary in Ohio. But if you purchase that much cannabis, you will have to wait until the next 45-day fill period to buy more.
Can you be fired for failing a drug test with a medical card in Ohio?
Unfortunately, Ohio medical marijuana laws do not offer employment protection for individuals with a medical card.
Businesses can reject job applicants because of cannabis use. And your employer can penalize you by suspending or firing you when you test positive for marijuana and fail a drug test. So, it is wise to understand your organization’s specific rules on any potential repercussions of a failed drug test.
Where do I get my Ohio medical marijuana card?
The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program does not send physical cards to qualifying patients. Once you pay for your medical card on the Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry, it will be available for download.
You can find your Ohio medical card under the Card tab of the Registry Details section of your patient registry profile.
How to get help with the Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry?
Most patients find our Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry Guide comprehensive. Still, you are always welcome to engage our helpful customer care team–we are here to assist until you get your med card.
But if any issues persist, we recommend contacting the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program. Their toll-free helpline is 1-833-4OH-MMCP (1-833-464-6627). Or, you can reach the OMMCP through their contact form, highlighted in our resource section below.
How much does medical marijuana cost in Ohio?
The cost of medical cannabis in Ohio varies depending on the dispensary you visit and the type of medical marijuana you purchase. Popular forms of medical marijuana include flower, vaporizers, concentrates, edibles, tinctures, and topicals.
Generally, cannabis flower can cost around $21 for 2.83 grams and $284 for an ounce. And you can expect to pay $24 for vaporizers, $22.40 for concentrates, and $14 for edibles. Tinctures usually cost around $33 each, while topicals are around $10 each.
How much are gummies in Ohio?
A pack of gummies with 100mg of THC from a dispensary in Ohio could cost as low as $19.
Still, the price may be lower or higher depending on the dispensary you visit, the number of gummies, and the brand you purchase.
Patient Resources and Forms
How to Contact the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program (OMMCP)
State Agencies: The Ohio Department of Commerce, The State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy & The State Medical Board of Ohio
Phone: 1-833-4OH-MMCP (1-833-464-6627) Toll-free Helpline
Email: MMCPRegistry@pharmacy.ohio.gov
Mailing Address:
State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy
MMCP Registry Department
c/o Mail Services
30 E. Broad St., B-1
Columbus, OH 43215
Contact Form: https://medicalmarijuana.ohio.gov/contactus
Website: https://medicalmarijuana.ohio.gov/