Ohio’s recreational marijuana market officially launched on August 6, 2024, marking a significant milestone for the state. With adult-use dispensaries now open, many Ohioans are eager to explore this new avenue for purchasing marijuana. While recreational sales are thriving, they come with a notable financial impact, higher taxes. If you’re a regular marijuana user, there’s one smart way to avoid these extra costs: get your medical marijuana card.
This article delves into why having a medical marijuana card is not only cost-effective but also offers other critical benefits that recreational users miss out on.
The High Cost of Recreational Marijuana in Ohio
Since recreational sales began, the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control has reported over $155 million in revenue from adult-use marijuana purchases. While these numbers are promising for the state, they also mean hefty taxes for customers. Recreational marijuana purchases are subject to a 10% excise tax, on top of the standard sales tax.
This excise tax is allocated to various state funds, including:
Cannabis Social Equity and Jobs Fund (36%)
Host Community Cannabis Fund (36%)
Substance Abuse and Addiction Fund (25%)
Administrative Funds (3%)
Although these taxes fund essential programs, they significantly increase the cost of recreational marijuana for the average consumer. For instance, a $50 purchase at a recreational dispensary could end up costing $60 or more after taxes.
Why You Should Still Get a Medical Marijuana Card
For Ohioans seeking regular access to marijuana, obtaining a medical marijuana card is the financially savvy choice. Here’s why:
1. No Recreational Excise Tax
Medical marijuana purchases are exempt from the 10% excise tax that recreational users must pay. This tax break alone can save medical patients hundreds of dollars annually, depending on their usage.
2. Higher Purchase Limits
Medical marijuana patients in Ohio enjoy higher purchase limits compared to recreational users. While recreational customers may face strict limits on how much flower or manufactured product they can buy at a time, medical patients have access to more significant quantities, ensuring they can meet their needs without frequent trips to the dispensary.
3. Wider Dispensary Access
Not all dispensaries in Ohio are open to recreational users. Only those with dual-use licenses can cater to both medical and recreational customers. By maintaining a medical marijuana card, patients ensure full access to the state’s network of dispensaries, including those exclusively serving medical customers.
4. More Affordable Product Options
Medical dispensaries often offer discounted prices for medical cardholders, making products even more affordable. Some dispensaries also provide loyalty programs or additional discounts for patients with specific conditions.
Medical Marijuana in Ohio
Medical marijuana offers a more sophisticated and patient-centered approach to cannabis consumption compared to recreational use. Medical dispensaries provide targeted treatment options with formulations specifically designed to address individual medical conditions, ensuring patients receive precisely tailored products that meet their unique health needs.
These specialized dispensaries distinguish themselves through dedicated professional support. Their trained staff can offer personalized consultations, helping patients navigate product selections most appropriate for managing specific health challenges like chronic pain or anxiety. This guidance creates a more therapeutic and informed cannabis experience than typical recreational purchasing.
Moreover, medical marijuana patients enjoy enhanced legal protections. Holding a medical marijuana card can provide substantial advantages, including potentially more understanding employers and stronger legal standing in disputes. These protections recognize the legitimate medical purpose of cannabis use and offer patients additional security in their treatment approach.
The Recreational Boom
Recreational marijuana sales have brought significant revenue to Ohio, with some funds allocated to community programs and addiction services. However, the rollout hasn’t been without its challenges:
Limited Dispensary Access: Not all dispensaries have dual-use licenses, meaning some areas have fewer options for recreational customers.
Strain on Supply: The high demand for recreational marijuana has put pressure on the state’s supply chain, occasionally leading to shortages.
While these issues may resolve over time, they underscore the importance of maintaining a medical marijuana card for uninterrupted access to products.
While the convenience of recreational marijuana is appealing, the financial drawbacks cannot be ignored. Paying an additional 10% in taxes, and often higher product prices, adds up quickly. For frequent users, the savings from a medical marijuana card far outweigh the cost of obtaining one.
A Smart Move for Ohioans
Ohio’s recreational marijuana market is thriving, but it comes with significant tax burdens for consumers. By getting a medical marijuana card, patients can avoid these extra costs, access higher purchase limits, and enjoy targeted medical products designed to improve their quality of life.
For those who use marijuana regularly or rely on it for medical purposes, obtaining a medical marijuana card is the smart, cost-effective choice. It ensures consistent access to affordable, high-quality products while avoiding the steep taxes associated with recreational sales.
If you’re an Ohioan considering your options, now is the time to explore the benefits of medical marijuana and secure your card. Why pay more when you don’t have to?
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!
You need your medical card to access any of Ohio’s medical dispensaries. Not to worry, because it is now easier than ever to get your card with Ohio Marijuana Card!
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!
If you don’t already have your card, we can help! You can even have your appointment and recommendation on the same day!
Schedule an appointment with one of our physicians today to see if you qualify.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
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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