The Future of Recreational Marijuana in Ohio

Recreational marijuana sales are finally underway in Ohio, marking a new era for the Buckeye State. As of August 6th, 2024, select dispensaries with dual-use licenses officially opened their doors to adult-use customers, turning years of advocacy into a reality. While this is a major step forward, the rollout of recreational marijuana is still in progress, and there are several reasons why getting a medical marijuana card remains the smartest choice for Ohio residents.

Let’s break down where things stand, what to expect from Ohio’s recreational marijuana future, and why the medical program still holds value.

What Just Happened?

In November 2023, Ohio voters approved Issue 2, a ballot initiative that legalized marijuana for adult use. This allowed adults 21 and older to legally possess, purchase, and cultivate marijuana under state law. However, the legalization measure left the creation of a regulated marketplace to the state’s legislature and agencies, a process that has taken time and faced political resistance.

On August 6th, 2024, the Ohio Department of Commerce began issuing dual-use licenses to existing medical marijuana dispensaries, allowing them to sell to both medical patients and adult-use customers. Not all dispensaries have been approved yet, meaning recreational access remains limited in many parts of the state.

Only Dual-Use Dispensaries Can Sell to Recreational Customers

Not every marijuana dispensary in Ohio is open for recreational customers. Only those that have received a dual-use license from the state are legally allowed to sell recreational products. This means that some dispensaries remain medical-only, and certain areas of Ohio still lack access to legal recreational sales. 

For a list of Ohio dispensaries, check out our dispensary page. 

Medical Marijuana Still Matters

Despite recreational legalization, Ohio’s medical marijuana program still offers major advantages. From lower costs to expanded access and higher purchase limits, being a registered patient gives you more benefits than you might expect.

1. Avoid the 10% Recreational Marijuana Tax

One of the biggest advantages of holding a medical marijuana card is the ability to skip the 10% marijuana excise tax added to recreational sales. While medical patients still pay local and state sales taxes, they are exempt from this additional 10% tax, which can add up fast, especially for regular users.

2. Higher Purchase and Possession Limits

Medical marijuana patients in Ohio are allowed to purchase and possess higher amounts of marijuana than recreational users. This makes the medical program especially valuable for individuals managing chronic pain, anxiety, or other long-term health conditions that require consistent treatment.

3. Access to Exclusive Discounts

Many Ohio dispensaries offer special pricing and discounts exclusively for medical marijuana patients. These may include:

• Weekly deals on select products

• Loyalty programs with additional perks

• Compassionate care pricing for low-income or veteran patients

These discounts are not available to recreational users, so staying in the medical program can save you even more money in the long run.

Want to see which dispensaries offer the best deals for medical patients? Visit our Ohio Dispensary Page.

4. Priority Access and Shorter Wait Times

As recreational demand grows, lines and wait times at dual-use dispensaries are expected to increase. Many shops still offer priority lines and faster service for medical patients, ensuring they can get what they need without long delays or limited product selection.

Still Shaping the Future

Even though recreational sales are underway, Ohio lawmakers are still debating changes to the system. Governor Mike DeWine (R) and several Republican legislators have expressed interest in revising how marijuana tax revenue is allocated, tightening rules around public consumption, and possibly increasing THC caps on certain products.

DeWine recently stated he wants marijuana tax revenue to support:

• Law enforcement training

• Local jail improvements

• Behavioral health services

His administration has emphasized public safety and the potential social costs of legalization, prompting discussions about modifying what voters approved in Issue 2.

Legislative Proposals on the Table

Two competing bills, House Bill 160 and Senate Bill 56, are working their way through Ohio’s legislature. While both maintain home cultivation rights and legal access, they differ in areas such as:

• Public consumption restrictions

• THC potency caps (35% for flower, 70% for concentrates)

• How marijuana tax revenue should be spent

As of now, it's unclear which, if any, of these proposed changes will reach the governor’s desk. In the meantime, Ohio residents should stay informed and involved to ensure lawmakers respect the will of the voters.

Progress, But With Patience

Ohio has taken a major leap forward with the launch of recreational marijuana sales, but the system is far from finished. With only some dispensaries currently offering adult-use products and lawmakers still weighing significant policy changes, the future of marijuana in Ohio is very much a work in progress.

For now, a medical marijuana card is still your best bet for affordable, reliable access to quality marijuana products. It offers clear benefits that recreational users can’t tap into, and with the political landscape still in flux, it’s a smart way to protect yourself, save money, and stay ahead.

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 your home! Schedule your appointment today!

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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!