Green and Growing: A Guide to Buying Legal Cannabis in Ohio Today
Welcome, cannabis enthusiasts of Ohio! If you’ve been wondering about the ins and outs of purchasing legal cannabis in your beloved Buckeye State, then you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ll be exploring the green landscapes of Ohio’s burgeoning marijuana market, providing you with a friendly guide to help navigate this exciting new territory.
Ohio joined the ranks of states legalizing medical cannabis in 2016, and since then, the industry has been on an upward trajectory. With over two dozen licensed dispensaries operating statewide as of March 2023, there’s no shortage of options for those seeking relief through medicinal marijuana.
So, where can you find these budding businesses? Let’s start our tour in the capital city of Columbus. The largest metropolitan area in Ohio boasts numerous dispensaries, including Verilife Cannabis Dispensary on E Broad Street and Greenleaf Compassionate Care Center on N High Street.
As you journey westward, Cincinnati offers a selection of well-established dispensaries such as Solevo Wellness on Harrison Avenue and Terrascape Dispensaries on Vine Street. And don’t forget Cleveland, where Apothecarium Cannabis on W 117th Street and Buckeye Relief Dispensary on E 25th Street are waiting to serve you.
But what about the northern regions of Ohio? Fear not! Akron, Toledo, Dayton, and Youngstown have also jumped into the game with dispensaries like Ohio Relief Center, The Forest City Dispensary, CY+ Dispensaries, and GTI Ohio, respectively.
When entering a dispensary, be prepared to show valid identification proving that you are at least 21 years old (or have a qualifying medical condition if you’re under 21). As a first-time visitor, it’s essential to educate yourself on the various strains and products available. Dispensary staff are knowledgeable and eager to help, so don’t hesitate to ask questions!
Ohio’s medical cannabis program allows for the possession of up to a 90-day supply, with a maximum purchase limit of 5 grams of flower or its equivalent in other forms. Be aware that edibles are subject to stricter purchase limits due to their longer onset time and stronger effects.
So, what qualifies as a medical condition for cannabis use in Ohio? According to state law, patients may be recommended for medical marijuana if they suffer from any of the following conditions: AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Cancer, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), Crohn’s Disease, Epilepsy or another seizure disorder, Fibromyalgia, Glaucoma, Hepatitis C, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Parkinson’s disease, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Sickle Cell Anemia, Spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis, Terminal illness with a prognosis of less than one year, Tourette’s Syndrome, and Ulcerative Colitis.
As Ohio continues to grow its cannabis industry, keep an eye out for the expansion of dispensaries, as well as changes in legislation that could lead to adult-use recreational marijuana in the future. Stay informed and stay green, fellow Buckeyes!