In 2023, Ohio voters fully legalized recreational cannabis with the November ballot. Legal sales are expected to begin late in 2024. But until then, getting an Ohio medical card is the only way a consumer can legally purchase or possess cannabis in the state.

Is Weed Legal in Ohio?

YES. Cannabis is legal for both medical and recreational purposes in Ohio, though adult-use sales aren’t expected to begin until late 2024, making a med card the only way to legally purchase cannabis in the state.

When Was Cannabis Legalized in Ohio?

Ohio has a long history of cannabis reform, dating back to 1975 when it decriminalized the possession of up to 3.5 ounces of cannabis, with a maximum fine of $150. 

Since 2015, several cities and towns in Ohio have further reduced or eliminated the penalties for cannabis possession, such as Columbus and Cleveland. In 2016, the state also repealed the mandatory six-month driver’s license suspension for cannabis or other drug possession. 

In 2016, Ohio became a medical marijuana state, allowing patients with qualifying conditions to access cannabis legally. And in January of 2019, the first medical marijuana dispensaries opened in Ohio, offering a variety of products to registered patients. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the state allowed patients to order by phone and pick up their medicine curbside at dispensaries. 

In 2023, Ohio voters decided to fully legalize cannabis for adult use, with sales expected to start in late 2024.

Where Can Patients Buy Cannabis in Ohio?

If you are 18 or older and have a qualifying condition, you can get an Ohio med card and shop at any of the state’s medical cannabis dispensaries.

If you are under 18, you need a parent or guardian to consent to your treatment and act as your caregiver. You cannot enter a dispensary or buy cannabis yourself; your caregiver has to do it for you.

There is no special tax on cannabis in Ohio. You only pay the regular state sales tax of 5.25%, plus any local sales tax if applicable.

When recreational sales begin, there will be a 10% retail tax on cannabis, but medical marijuana patients will be exempt from it.

Is Cannabis Delivery Available in Ohio?

No, cannabis delivery is not legal in Ohio for either medical or recreational purposes.

When transporting your own cannabis, it must be sealed or stored in the trunk of the vehicle out of the reach of the driver and passengers.

Where Can Patients Legally Use Medical Marijuana in Ohio?

You can use cannabis legally on private property, but not in public spaces or moving vehicles (regardless of whether you are the driver or passenger).

What are the Restrictions on Cannabis Possession in Ohio?

Ohio medical marijuana patients can legally access different forms of cannabis products, such as oils, tinctures, capsules, plant material, edibles, lotions, creams, and transdermal patches. Smoking or burning cannabis is not allowed, but patients can vape plant material or oil or solid preparations for vaping.

Ohio medical marijuana patients can buy their medicine based on a 90-day supply divided into two 45-day periods. Ohio medical marijuana patients must buy at least a whole day unit of any cannabis product at a dispensary, as defined by the state.

Ohio medical marijuana patients may possess up to 9oz of cannabis plant material, 9oz of topicals, 26.55g of edibles or tinctures, 9.9g of concentrates, or 53.1g of THC oil. These limits increase slightly for patients who are terminally ill.

Growing cannabis at home is not legal in Ohio, even for medical marijuana patients. The legal limits for recreational possession or cultivation are not yet determined.