As recreational marijuana becomes more widely available across Ohio, concerns about its impact on youth safety have come to the forefront. In August of 2024, Ohio officially launched its recreational marijuana market, with a number of dispensaries opening their doors to the public. Not all dispensaries are offering recreational products, only those with dual-use licenses can sell to both medical marijuana patients and recreational customers. With this new landscape in mind, local governments are taking action to ensure that children and teenagers are protected from exposure to marijuana.
In Delaware, Ohio, a new resolution has been proposed to regulate where marijuana businesses can operate in relation to schools, churches, and other places frequented by youth. But is this enough to ensure children's safety, and how does it affect the ongoing debate around marijuana use in Ohio?
Delaware's New Resolution
The Delaware Planning Commission recently voted 5-1 in favor of a resolution aimed at restricting the proximity of marijuana-related businesses to places where children are likely to frequent. Specifically, the resolution proposes that dispensaries and vape shops should not be allowed within 500 feet of schools, churches, libraries, playgrounds, or parks. This is in response to the statewide legalization of recreational marijuana, a move that has sparked debates on how to balance adult freedom with child protection.
Sandra Pereira, Delaware’s director of planning and community development, stated that the resolution is an essential step in addressing the adult-use marijuana market while ensuring that children are not exposed to its risks. The resolution also includes restrictions on the clustering of marijuana businesses, limiting the number of dispensaries and vape shops that can operate within close proximity to each other.
While Delaware is taking action, it's important to remember that Ohio, like many other states, allows local jurisdictions to implement their own rules around marijuana businesses. This means that while marijuana is legal across the state, many towns and cities have imposed moratoriums or bans on recreational marijuana sales, citing the need to evaluate its impact on local communities.
Are Children Really at Risk?
With Ohio now offering legal recreational marijuana, concerns about how easily children can access marijuana products have grown. It's essential to note that all marijuana sales in the state are tightly regulated, and customers must be at least 21 years old to purchase recreational marijuana. Dispensaries are required to follow strict security measures, including ID checks and secure storage of products.
The concern is less about direct access and more about indirect exposure. The resolution in Delaware aims to reduce the likelihood of children encountering marijuana businesses in their daily lives. By keeping dispensaries away from schools and churches, the city hopes to minimize children's exposure to marijuana advertisements and reduce the risk of normalization of marijuana use among youth.
Studies have shown that increased availability and visibility of substances like tobacco and alcohol can lead to higher rates of use among teenagers. While marijuana has different effects and regulations, the concern remains that making it more visible could have unintended consequences for younger generations.
Why Medical Marijuana Is the Right Choice in Ohio
Amid the growth of recreational marijuana, it’s important to remember the benefits of Ohio’s medical marijuana program. Ohioans who have a qualifying medical condition can apply for a medical marijuana card, granting them access to products specifically designed to treat their health issues. Medical marijuana patients can purchase up to 2.5 ounces every 14 days, offering higher limits compared to recreational customers, who are restricted to smaller amounts.
Additionally, medical marijuana patients do not have to pay the 10% marijuana tax that is applied to recreational purchases. This not only saves money but also ensures that patients have access to a steady and affordable supply of marijuana for managing chronic pain, mental health conditions, and other ailments.
For individuals who rely on marijuana for health reasons, obtaining a medical marijuana card remains the best option. Medical dispensaries in Ohio offer a wider variety of products tailored for therapeutic use, such as tinctures, capsules, and edibles with precise doses of THC and CBD. In contrast, recreational dispensaries may focus more on products for general adult use, which might not meet the specific needs of medical patients.
The Importance of Dual-Use Licenses
While recreational marijuana has been legalized, not all dispensaries in Ohio can serve both medical and recreational customers. Only those with a dual-use license are permitted to sell to both groups. This has led to some confusion, as medical marijuana patients may assume that any dispensary can fulfill their needs. It’s essential for patients to verify that a dispensary holds a dual-use license before attempting to make a purchase.
Dual-use dispensaries ensure that medical patients continue to receive the high-quality, therapeutic products they need, even as the recreational market grows. By maintaining a focus on medical marijuana, these dispensaries help ensure that Ohioans who need marijuana for health reasons are not left behind as the state’s marijuana landscape evolves.
Why You Should Still Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Ohio
While recreational marijuana may seem like a convenient option for some, there are clear benefits to obtaining a medical marijuana card in Ohio. Medical marijuana provides a more affordable, reliable, and accessible way to treat conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, and PTSD. Here are a few reasons why getting a medical marijuana card is still the right choice:
Lower Costs: Medical marijuana is not subject to the 10% recreational marijuana tax, making it a more affordable option for long-term use.
Higher Purchase Limits: Medical patients can purchase up to 2.5 ounces every 14 days, which is higher than the limits for recreational customers.
Targeted Products: Medical dispensaries offer products specifically designed for therapeutic use, with consistent dosing and formulations that are often not available in recreational dispensaries.
Priority Access: In many cases, medical patients are given priority access to dispensaries, ensuring they can obtain the medicine they need without long wait times.
Legal Protections: Holding a medical marijuana card provides legal protections that recreational users do not have, particularly in states where marijuana laws may still be evolving.
Striking a Balance in Ohio’s Marijuana Market
As Ohio’s recreational marijuana market continues to grow, it’s vital to strike a balance between adult use and child protection. Delaware’s new resolution is a proactive step in ensuring that children are shielded from the influence of marijuana businesses. At the same time, Ohio’s medical marijuana program remains a crucial resource for those who rely on marijuana for health reasons.
For Ohioans seeking pain relief, improved sleep, or mental health benefits, the medical marijuana program offers a reliable and cost-effective solution. With higher purchase limits, no taxes, and targeted therapeutic products, obtaining a medical marijuana card is still the best option for those with qualifying health conditions.
As the state moves forward with its recreational market, local governments will continue to play a key role in shaping how marijuana is accessed, ensuring both the safety of children and the well-being of patients.
Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today!
Ohio continues to expand its medical marijuana program and make residents’ lives easier by passing new progressive legislation. The addition of new qualifying conditions means that many more people will now be eligible for their medical card.
If you think you could benefit from medical marijuana, there is a good chance you qualify!
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In Ohio, there are many conditions that may make you eligible for medical marijuana, and we hope the program continues to expand by adding more conditions soon! If you have questions about whether you qualify, we can help with that too!
In order to visit a dispensary in the State of Ohio, you will need your medical marijuana card. With telemedicine, you can even get your card from the comfort of your own home!
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Schedule an appointment with one of our physicians today to see if you qualify.
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Here at Ohio Marijuana Card, our goal is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at (866) 457-5559, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
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