With the opening of recreational marijuana dispensaries in August of this year, Ohio became one of the latest states to legalize adult-use marijuana. Not all Ohio residents will have easy access to these dispensaries, as several cities have chosen to restrict or completely ban recreational marijuana sales within their jurisdictions.
This article will explore what these restrictions mean, how they affect marijuana consumers, and why obtaining a medical marijuana card remains a smart choice for many Ohio residents.
Ohio’s Recreational Marijuana Rollout
On November 7, 2023, Ohio voters passed Issue 2, which legalized the adult recreational use of marijuana, allowing adults aged 21 and over to purchase, possess, and consume marijuana. This was a historic moment for Ohio, where medical marijuana had already been legal since 2016. Following the vote, the state moved swiftly to establish a framework for recreational marijuana sales, with the first dispensaries opening in August 2024.
However, not every dispensary is open for recreational customers. Only those dispensaries with a dual-use license, allowing them to serve both medical and recreational users, are permitted to sell to recreational consumers. This distinction limits the number of available options, especially in cities that have chosen to restrict or outright ban recreational marijuana sales.
Local Restrictions on Recreational Marijuana Dispensaries
Ohio’s legalization law, Chapter 3780 of the Ohio Revised Code, allows municipalities to regulate or ban marijuana businesses. This means that while the state has legalized marijuana, local governments can decide whether or not to allow dispensaries within their borders.
Some cities have embraced recreational marijuana, welcoming the economic benefits it promises. Others are more hesitant. Cities such as Troy, Kettering, and Westerville have already taken steps to either limit or ban recreational marijuana dispensaries. These cities cite concerns about public safety, community impact, and local values as reasons for these restrictions.
For example, the city of Troy held a public hearing on November 4, 2024, to gather input from residents about whether to ban marijuana businesses. The Troy Planning Commission had recommended a total ban on dispensaries within city limits, and while a final decision is still pending, the possibility of restricted access to recreational marijuana in Troy is real. Similarly, Westerville has implemented zoning restrictions that make it difficult for dispensaries to operate within the city.
Why Medical Marijuana Is Still the Right Choice
While recreational marijuana is now legal in Ohio, there are several reasons why obtaining a medical marijuana card remains the better option for many marijuana consumers.
1. Lower Taxes for Medical Marijuana
One of the most significant advantages of holding a medical marijuana card is the tax benefit. Recreational marijuana sales in Ohio are subject to a 10% marijuana tax, which is added on top of state and local sales taxes. This tax revenue is intended to support various state programs, but it increases the overall cost of recreational marijuana products.
Medical marijuana, on the other hand, is not subject to this additional tax. Medical patients can purchase marijuana at a lower cost, making it a more affordable option for regular users who rely on marijuana for therapeutic purposes.
2. Higher Purchase Limits for Medical Patients
Ohio’s medical marijuana program also offers higher purchase limits compared to recreational sales. Medical marijuana patients can purchase up to 8 ounces of Tier 1 marijuana or 5.3 ounces of Tier 2 marijuana over a 90-day period. Recreational users, however, are limited to purchasing just 2.5 ounces of marijuana flower or the equivalent in other products every two weeks.
For patients who require larger amounts of marijuana to manage chronic conditions such as pain, anxiety, or PTSD, these higher limits are crucial. Recreational users may find themselves having to make more frequent trips to dispensaries or running out of their supply before they are allowed to purchase more.
3. Access to a Wider Selection of Products
Medical marijuana patients in Ohio also benefit from access to a wider range of products. While recreational dispensaries offer many of the same items, such as flower, edibles, and concentrates, some specialized medical products—like high-CBD strains, tinctures, and capsules, may only be available to medical patients. This expanded product selection can be vital for patients who need specific formulations to treat their conditions effectively.
4. Priority Access to Dispensaries
In many dual-use dispensaries, medical marijuana patients are given priority access. This means shorter wait times, separate lines, and, in some cases, dedicated hours for medical patients only. This can be a major benefit in busy dispensaries, particularly as demand for recreational marijuana continues to grow in the coming months.
What Restrictions Mean for Recreational Consumers
For recreational consumers, the patchwork of local restrictions on marijuana dispensaries means that access may vary widely depending on where you live in Ohio. Cities like Columbus and Cleveland are expected to host numerous recreational dispensaries, making it easy for residents to purchase marijuana. In smaller towns or cities with bans in place, residents may have to travel to neighboring municipalities to find a dispensary.
These restrictions could also impact pricing and availability. In cities with limited dispensaries, high demand could drive up prices and lead to shortages, especially as more Ohioans begin to explore the recreational market. For consumers who need regular access to marijuana, these potential issues make getting a medical marijuana card even more appealing.
Medical Marijuana Remains the Best Option
While recreational marijuana is now legal in Ohio, the local restrictions and limitations on recreational dispensaries make medical marijuana the better choice for many residents. With lower taxes, higher purchase limits, and broader product availability, holding a medical marijuana card ensures you can access marijuana affordably and conveniently, regardless of where you live in the state.
For those seeking relief from chronic medical conditions, there’s no better time to apply for a medical marijuana card in Ohio.
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!