How to Get A Medical Marijuana Card in Ohio Step by Step

The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control program allows qualified patients to purchase and possess high-quality medical cannabis. The state issues medical marijuana cards through the Medical Marijuana Control Program. The process requires consultation with a qualified doctor and enrollment in a registry.

The only way to legally possess and consume cannabis is with a valid medical marijuana card. The state grants broad privileges to medical marijuana patients as long as they comply with the rules of the Ohio Board of Pharmacy’s program.

If your quality of life is diminished or you have trouble participating in daily activities due to the symptoms of an eligible medical condition, medical marijuana may help you regain lost function.

Read on to learn more about the application process for those seeking to join the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program. Understanding how to obtain a card will help you make the best decision for your health and submit the strongest possible application.

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Step 1: Identify Your Qualifying Condition

Ohio law requires that patients have one of the following qualifying medical conditions in order to be eligible for a medical marijuana card:

Alzheimer’s disease
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Arthritis
Cachexia
Cancer
Chronic pain
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy
Chronic migraines
Crohn’s disease
Complex regional pain syndrome
Epilepsy or another seizure disorder
Fibromyalgia
Ulcerative colitis

Glaucoma
Hepatitis C
HIV and AIDS
Inflammatory bowel disease
Multiple sclerosis
Pain that is either chronic and severe or intractable
Parkinson’s disease
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Sickle cell anemia
Spinal cord disease or injury
Tourette syndrome
Traumatic brain injury

The state medical board reviews annual petitions to add new conditions, typically in December.

Step 2: Meet with A Licensed Physician

The next step is to meet with a licensed physician who is certified to issue medical marijuana recommendations. There are only 236 medical marijuana doctors in Ohio. During your consultation, the doctor will verify your identity and confirm you have one of the qualifying conditions.

To ensure cannabis is safe in your case, disclose the prescription medications you take and answer all questions about your health history.

Be forthcoming and comprehensive so the doctor can rule out potential complications and contraindications. The doctor will explain what cannabis can and cannot do so you can establish realistic expectations for medical marijuana use in your case.

Once the doctor issues your certification, they will enroll you in the state’s patient registry using your email address. You will receive an invitation to complete the next steps of the process.

Step 3: Compile the Necessary Paperwork and Register With MMMP

You must provide your doctor with a copy of your valid Ohio driver's license or Ohio identification card issued by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to prove your identity and Ohio residency.

If you do not have a valid Ohio state ID card, you can use another form or ID and two proof of residency documents from the accepted list.

The email will link you to the account established by your doctor. You cannot register for your own account. If you do not receive the email, be sure to check your spam folder. If you still do not have an email, contact the Medical Marijuana Control Program by phone at 1-833-464-6627 or by email at MMCPRegistry@pharmacy.ohio.gov.

Once logged into your account, you can complete your registration. You will be prompted to review your demographic information and opt-in to the registry. Note that the state may request additional medical records as they process your application.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

The final step to submitting your application is paying the $50 registration fee through the registry website. The state accepts Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Applicants who are veterans or enrolled in either the Social Security Disability Income program or the state retirement system may qualify for a discounted fee.

Once you submit your application, the state will issue an approval and you can print a copy of your medical marijuana card from your online account. Be sure to submit your application. You will not be able to visit a dispensary until your application is approved by the state.

Keep in mind that in the state of Ohio, patients under 18 years of age must register an adult as their designated caregiver.

Step 5: Receive Your Medical Marijuana Card

Once you receive your card, you can shop for medical marijuana products at any licensed Ohio dispensary. Your card will remain valid for one year. Ohio requires a yearly consultation with a medical marijuana doctor and a $50 renewal fee to maintain your place on the registry and retain your ability to purchase cannabis products from licensed dispensaries.

With a medical cannabis card in hand, you can possess a 90-day supply of Ohio medical cannabis consisting of plant material, edibles, beverages, tinctures, vape cartridges, and/or topical applications. Your medical marijuana doctor and dispensary staff can offer advice on strains of cannabis and consumption methods that may best address your symptoms.

Need Help Obtaining A Ohio Medical Marijuana Card?

The Sanctuary can help you navigate the enrollment process for a medical marijuana card and become an official Ohio patient. First, we will refer you to a licensed Ohio medical marijuana doctor who can issue your recommendation and enroll you in the state’s registry. We work with physicians who are passionate about the medicinal value of cannabis and capable of answering your questions.

Once you have registry access, our team will help you complete the state’s MMJ card application. Once you’re approved, you’ll be able to start managing the symptoms of your qualifying condition(s) with cannabis purchased from Ohio marijuana dispensaries.