7 things to know about Ohio's medical marijuana program

Ohio's Medical Marijuana Control Program began sales in 2019 and is now run by the Division of Cannabis Control, which also oversees the adult-use market voters approved in 2023. A physician with a State Medical Board certificate to recommend sees the patient in person or by telemedicine and confirms one of 26 qualifying conditions. The physician then enters the patient into the registry, and the patient activates the card through an emailed link. The state charges no activation or renewal fee. Patients must see their physician at least once a year to renew. They are exempt from the 10% adult-use excise tax and, since March 2026, may buy up to four days' limits at once.

7 things to know

1. The state charges no activation or renewal cost for patient registration.
2. Physician visits can be in person or by telemedicine, and one is required at least once a year.
3. Medical purchases skip the 10% excise tax charged on adult-use cannabis.
4. Since March 24, 2026, patients may buy up to four days' limits in one transaction, which adult-use customers cannot do.
5. Smoking or combustion of medical cannabis is not permitted, and patients under 18 may not vape.
6. The State Medical Board says arthritis, chronic migraines, lupus, degenerative disc disease and complex regional pain syndrome can fall under its chronic or intractable pain condition.
7. Ohio has 26 qualifying conditions, and the State Medical Board accepts petitions to add more once a year.

At a glance

• State fee: Free (no state activation or renewal cost)
• Card lasts: 1 year
• Processing: Card is activated by the patient after the physician's registry entry; caregiver eligibility review takes up to 7 business days
• Patient limit: A 90-day supply: up to 14.06 lb of plant material and 1,350 g of total THC in other products
• Home grow: Not part of the medical program; any adult 21+ may grow 6 plants (12 per household) under the adult-use law
• Recreational sales: Legal for adults 21+
• First visit online: Yes

Sources

• Patients & Caregivers - Ohio Division of Cannabis Control
• How to Obtain Medical Marijuana - Ohio Division of Cannabis Control
• Ohio Cannabis FAQ - Ohio Division of Cannabis Control
• Medical Cannabis Daily Limits & 90-Day Supply - Ohio Division of Cannabis Control
• CTR Physician Annual Report 2025 - State Medical Board of Ohio

This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Laws change — confirm details with your state agency. State facts last checked October 7, 2026.