House Bill 523 made medical cannabis legal in Ohio in 2016, with the first dispensary with a state license opening in 2019. More dispensaries have opened since then to serve the increasing number of patients in the state.

In the November 2023 election, voters decided to fully legalize cannabis for adult use. The new law will take effect on December 7, 2023. The legislature has not yet set the limits for personal possession and cultivation of cannabis, but they will do so soon. Stay tuned for more updates.

How Do I Become a Medical Cannabis Patient in Ohio?

To get a med card in Ohio, you need to see a certified physician who can establish and maintain a physician-patient relationship with you.

If the physician diagnoses you with a qualifying medical condition and thinks that medical cannabis could benefit you, they will create a patient profile for you in the state’s registry.

You will then receive instructions for how to register with the state’s registry once you are approved. You have 90 days from the email to complete the registration process.

Patients must pay a $50 patient fee when you register, and caregivers have to pay $25. If you are Indigent or Veteran, you can apply to waive your fees.

After you register, you can go to a licensed dispensary to buy your medicine. You will need a valid medical marijuana card (printed or digital), a physician’s recommendation, and a government ID to make your purchase.

How to Renew an Ohio Medical Card Online?

You have to renew your Ohio medical cannabis card every year with a physician evaluation. When your renewal is due, you have to register within 30 days of your expiration date by logging in to the patient registry, following the renewal application steps, and paying the required fees.

Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Card in Ohio

In 2021, the list of qualifying conditions for medical cannabis in Ohio expanded to include more conditions, such as arthritis, chronic migraines and complex regional pain syndrome, Huntington’s disease, terminal illness, and spasticity. This means that many more people in Ohio can now access medical cannabis legally.

To qualify for Ohio’s medical cannabis program, you must have a “bona fide” relationship with a physician who will recommend medical cannabis and submit your registration, agree to medical marijuana treatment, pay the state registration fees, and live in Ohio.

How to Find an Ohio Medical Marijuana Doctor Near You

To get a medical marijuana card in Ohio, you need to see a certified registered physician who can evaluate your condition and recommend cannabis as a treatment. 

You can find a list of active certified doctors on the state’s digital database, or sign up on our site to meet with a qualified practitioner online. It’s good to have your medical records ready for the evaluation.

Get Your Ohio Medical Cannabis Recommendation Online

Instead of spending hours in a crowded doctor’s office, we make it easy to complete your evaluation from the comfort of your own home.

• Sign up with [site name] and speak with a registered doctor. No appointment needed!

• Speak with the doctor to discuss your condition and whether medical cannabis can help.

• Pay any required evaluation and registration fees and finish the state registration process.

What to Expect When Talking to an Ohio Medical Marijuana Doctor

Your doctor will ask about your current medications and medical history to approve your medical marijuana use, so be ready to upload any essential medical records. They’re also prepared to answer any questions you may have about your condition or the potential use of medical cannabis in your treatment regimen.