The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program (OMMCP) is a state-regulated program that provides a framework for the medical use of cannabis by patients with specific qualifying conditions. Introduced in 2016 through the enactment of House Bill 523, the program aims to provide safe, controlled access to medical marijuana for patients who have received a recommendation from a certified doctor.
The program recognizes a range of qualifying conditions, from chronic illnesses such as cancer, glaucoma, and multiple sclerosis, to more subjective conditions such as chronic pain. Under this program, approved patients and their caregivers can purchase and possess a specified supply of medical marijuana obtained from state-licensed dispensaries.
Notably, the program does not permit the smoking of marijuana but allows other methods of administration, including vaporization and consumption in forms such as oils, tinctures, edibles, and patches. Home cultivation is also not allowed under the program, underscoring the program’s emphasis on control and safety.
It’s important to note that while the program has made strides in increasing access to medical marijuana, it maintains strict rules and regulations to ensure that it is not misused or diverted from its intended purpose – to bring relief to patients who need it. The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program represents a significant step in the acknowledgment and integration of medical marijuana into mainstream healthcare in Ohio.
Ohio Medical Marijuana
The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program (OMMCP) allows patients with certain medical conditions to obtain and use medical marijuana. The program came into existence after House Bill 523 was signed into law in June 2016.
Eligibility for Medical Marijuana
Patients could qualify for medical marijuana if they had one of the qualifying conditions specified by the state. These conditions included but were not limited to cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy or another seizure disorder, fibromyalgia, glaucoma, hepatitis C, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, PTSD, and sickle cell anemia. Patients under the age of 18 could also qualify if a parent or guardian consented and agreed to act as the minor’s caregiver.
Possession Limits
Qualified patients and caregivers could possess no more than a 90-day supply of medical marijuana, which could vary depending on the form of marijuana and the patient’s specific needs. However, smoking or combustion of medical marijuana was not permitted under the law. Instead, patients could vaporize (“vape”) marijuana, or consume it in the form of oils, tinctures, plant material, edibles, or patches.
Cultivation and Dispensaries
Home cultivation of marijuana was not allowed under Ohio’s medical marijuana laws. Patients and caregivers could only purchase medical marijuana from a licensed dispensary in the state.
Caregivers
Caregivers had to be at least 21 years old and were allowed to serve up to five patients. Caregivers could purchase and administer medical marijuana to the patient(s) they were caring for.
Doctor’s Recommendation
To obtain medical marijuana, patients needed a recommendation from a doctor certified by the State Medical Board of Ohio. The doctor had to attest that the patient had a qualifying medical condition and that the patient could potentially benefit from the use of medical marijuana.
Registry
Patients and caregivers needed to register with the State Board of Pharmacy to receive a patient identification card. This card allowed them to purchase, possess, and use medical marijuana.
Recreational Marijuana
As of 2023, the possession, sale, and use of recreational marijuana were illegal in Ohio. Possession of small amounts was decriminalized, meaning that instead of jail time, those found in possession of less than 100 grams faced a minor misdemeanor charge, which came with a maximum fine of $150.
