Green Greetings from Buckeye State: A Guide to Buying Recreational Marijuana in Ohio
Welcome, fellow cannabis enthusiasts! If you’ve been wondering about the exciting world of recreational marijuana in Ohio, then look no further. This friendly guide is here to navigate you through the ins and outs of buying weed in the Buckeye State. But before we dive in, let’s make sure everyone understands one crucial thing: It’s essential to consume responsibly and follow all state laws.
First things first: As of now, recreational marijuana is not yet legal in Ohio. However, medical marijuana has been available since September 2016 for eligible patients with qualifying conditions. So, while we can’t discuss buying recreational cannabis quite yet, we can certainly help you get your feet wet in the world of medical marijuana.
Who Can Buy Medical Marijuana in Ohio?
To purchase medical marijuana in Ohio, you must be at least 18 years old (or 18-20 with a caregiver’s permission) and have one of the following qualifying conditions:
1. AIDS
2. Alzheimer’s disease
3. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
4. Cancer
5. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
6. Crohn’s Disease
7. Epilepsy or other seizure disorders
8. Fibromyalgia
9. Glaucoma
10. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
11. Tourette’s Syndrome
12. Ulcerative Colitis
13. Any terminal, debilitating or chronic disease that results in a patient being listed as a hospice patient, or any condition or treatment approved by the State Medical Board of Ohio with written certification from a state-licensed physician.
Patients must also register with the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program and obtain a medical marijuana identification card. If you think you may qualify for medical marijuana in Ohio, consult your healthcare provider and visit the Ohio Bureau of Medical Marijuana Control’s website for more information.
Where to Buy Medical Marijuana in Ohio
Once you have obtained your medical marijuana identification card, you can purchase cannabis at any licensed dispensary in Ohio. As of January 2023, there are around 80 licensed medical marijuana dispensaries throughout the state. To find a nearby dispensary, visit the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program’s website or use third-party services like Weedmaps or Leafly.
When you visit a dispensary, expect to provide your valid medical marijuana identification card and photo ID. Staff at the dispensary will help you navigate the selection of various products and answer any questions you may have about dosage, strains, consumption methods, and more.
Strains, Edibles, and More
Ohio’s licensed dispensaries offer a variety of marijuana strains, including indica, sativa, and hybrid varieties. Some popular strains in Ohio include Harlequin, Blue Dream, and OG Kush. In addition to flower, you can find edibles, concentrates, topicals, tinctures, and vape cartridges at most dispensaries.
Looking Ahead: Recreational Marijuana in Ohio
While we’re not quite there yet, efforts are underway to legalize recreational marijuana in Ohio. Keep an eye on initiatives like Regulate Ohio, which is working towards placing a recreational marijuana legalization initiative on the 2023 ballot. If successful, adults over 21 would be able to purchase and possess limited amounts of cannabis at licensed dispensaries.
Stay tuned for updates on the progress of recreational marijuana in Ohio, and remember: Always prioritize safety, responsibility, and respect for Ohio’s marijuana laws. Happy exploring!