Ohio’s marijuana landscape is evolving, and August marked a major milestone, the official launch of recreational marijuana sales. With dispensaries expanding their offerings, many Ohio residents now have access to legal marijuana. Not every dispensary is open to recreational customers, and medical marijuana patients still receive key benefits that make getting a medical marijuana card the smarter choice.
Recreational Marijuana Dispensaries in Ohio
When Ohio voters approved recreational marijuana, the expectation was that dispensaries would quickly begin selling to adults 21 and over. Not every dispensary is permitted to sell recreational marijuana. Only those with a dual-use license, approved by the Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of Cannabis Control, can serve both medical marijuana patients and recreational customers.
As of now, 98 dispensaries have received a dual-use Certificate of Operation, allowing them to sell both medical and recreational marijuana. While this number is expected to grow, many existing dispensaries still only serve medical patients. For consumers looking to purchase recreational marijuana, it’s crucial to check if a dispensary holds a dual-use license before visiting.
Why You Should Still Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Ohio
Although recreational marijuana is now legal, having a medical marijuana card still provides several advantages. Here’s why Ohio residents who qualify should consider getting their card:
1. Lower Taxes on Medical Marijuana
One of the biggest reasons to keep or obtain a medical marijuana card is the cost savings. While recreational marijuana carries a 10% excise tax in addition to regular city and state sales taxes, medical marijuana is exempt from this excise tax. This tax might also be raised to 15%. Patients still pay local and state taxes, but the overall savings can add up significantly over time.
2. Higher Purchase Limits for Medical Marijuana Patients
Medical marijuana cardholders in Ohio benefit from higher purchase limits than recreational consumers. Ohio law restricts how much marijuana recreational customers can buy at once, whereas medical patients are allowed to purchase larger quantities based on their doctor’s recommendations. This ensures that patients can maintain access to the products they need without frequent dispensary visits.
3. Exclusive Discounts for Medical Patients
Many Ohio dispensaries offer special pricing and discounts for medical marijuana patients that are not available to recreational customers. Medical card holders often receive loyalty rewards, discounts on bulk purchases, and promotions for specific products. These deals help further offset costs and make medical marijuana more affordable compared to recreational options.
4. Access to Stronger and More Effective Products
Medical marijuana patients also benefit from higher potency limits on products compared to recreational users. While recreational marijuana in Ohio is subject to potency caps, medical patients have access to a wider range of products with higher THC levels. This is especially important for individuals managing chronic pain or other medical conditions that require stronger relief.
Ohio’s Recreational Marijuana Market
Although recreational marijuana sales have officially launched, there are still hurdles and limitations in place. Some key things to know about Ohio’s new recreational marijuana market include:
Limited Dispensary Access: Not all dispensaries have a dual-use license. Recreational consumers should verify whether their local dispensary serves non-medical customers.
10-15% Excise Tax: Recreational customers pay an additional 10-15% marijuana excise tax, making their purchases more expensive than those of medical patients.
Product Restrictions: Recreational users face stricter potency limits and purchase restrictions compared to medical patients.
While the launch of Ohio’s recreational marijuana market is an exciting development, it still comes with certain limitations that make a medical marijuana card the best choice for qualifying individuals.
Summary
Ohio’s expansion into recreational marijuana sales is a game-changer, but it doesn’t mean medical marijuana is any less important. With lower costs, higher purchase limits, stronger products, and exclusive dispensary discounts, having a medical marijuana card remains the best option for those who qualify.
As new dispensaries continue to open across Ohio, both medical and recreational customers will have more access to marijuana than ever before. If you want the best deals, stronger products, and tax savings, getting a medical marijuana card is still the smartest move.
Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today!
Having a medical marijuana card in Ohio offers numerous benefits over recreational use. With your medical card, you gain access to higher-quality, lab-tested products, personalized care from knowledgeable physicians, and exclusive dispensary discounts, ensuring you receive safe, effective, and affordable relief. Not to mention, the tax savings are significant when you have your medical card.
Ohio’s medical marijuana program is tailored to prioritize patients’ needs, with evolving qualifying conditions and a commitment to improving access. Whether you’re managing chronic pain, anxiety, or another condition, your medical card empowers you to shop at licensed dispensaries with confidence, knowing you’re receiving products designed specifically for therapeutic use.
Thanks to telemedicine, obtaining your card is simple, quick, and convenient. With Ohio Marijuana Card, you can complete your evaluation and receive a recommendation on the same day—all from the comfort of home! Schedule your appointment today!
Doctors Who Care
Relief You Can Trust
At Ohio Marijuana Card, we’re here to make the process easy and stress-free. Our team is dedicated to helping you unlock the full benefits of Ohio’s medical marijuana program while improving your overall quality of life.
Don’t wait to start feeling better. Call us at (866) 457-5559 or schedule your evaluation today, and take advantage of the many benefits a medical card has to offer!
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