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Medical marijuana is legal in Ohio for patients with qualifying medical conditions who have received a recommendation from a certified doctor. Ohio legalized medical marijuana in 2016 with the passage of House Bill 523, which set up the framework to establish a regulated medical marijuana program.
The state’s medical marijuana law allows people with certain medical conditions to buy and use marijuana if recommended by an Ohio-licensed physician. Here is what you need to know about where you can legally use medical marijuana in Ohio if you are a registered patient.
Getting an Ohio Medical Marijuana Card
To legally use medical marijuana in Ohio, you must first visit a state-licensed physician who can recommend medical marijuana for a qualifying condition. Qualifying conditions in Ohio include:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Cancer
- Chronic traumatic encephalopathy
- Crohn’s disease
- Epilepsy or other seizure disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis C
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Pain that is either chronic and severe or intractable
- Parkinson’s disease
- Positive status for HIV
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Sickle cell anemia
- Spinal cord disease or injury
- Tourette’s syndrome
- Traumatic brain injury
- Ulcerative colitis
The physician will assess your medical history and symptoms to determine if medical marijuana is an appropriate treatment option. If approved, you will receive a recommendation that allows you to apply for a medical marijuana card through the state’s registry program. Once you receive your card, you can legally purchase and use medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries in Ohio.
Where You Can Use Medical Marijuana in Ohio
Ohio has legal limitations on where registered patients can consume medical marijuana. It cannot be used in any public place, motor vehicles, school buses, on school grounds, correctional facilities, or at work. Here are the main places where medical marijuana can legally be used:
Private Residences
Patients can use medical marijuana inside their private home. If you live in a rental unit, you should check with your landlord first to ensure it does not violate your rental agreement or condo/apartment bylaws. Some landlords may prohibit marijuana use even by registered patients.
Designated Caregiver’s Residence
If you have a designated caregiver to assist you with obtaining and administering medical marijuana, you can also use it at their private residence as long as they are 21 years or older.
Licensed Dispensaries
Dispensaries may have designated areas inside for patients to consume medical marijuana, similar to a bar area in a restaurant. This provides a safe, controlled environment for use. However, policies can vary by dispensary, so you should check first before purchasing products and planning to use on site.
Other Private Property
You can use medical marijuana on other private property, such as a friend or family member’s home, as long as the owner consents and you use it in a space away from public view. This also includes hotel rooms and other temporary lodging.
Where Medical Marijuana Use is Prohibited
There are limitations on where patients can possess and use medical marijuana in Ohio. It cannot be used in any way that exposes others without their consent. Prohibited places include:
- Public places – This includes parks, streets, schools, restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, and any other area accessible to the public.
- Moving vehicles – Marijuana cannot be used in cars, buses, trains, boats, or planes. As a driver, it’s also illegal to have marijuana in your system even with a patient card.
- Federal lands – This includes national parks, forests, monuments and military bases where federal law is enforced.
- Correctional facilities – Prisons, jails, detention centers, and other criminal justice institutions.
- Workplaces – Exceptions may be made for patients with prior approval from their employer. Most workplaces prohibit any marijuana possession or use.
- On campus – College and university campuses typically don’t allow marijuana use in dorms, classrooms, or other campus facilities.
- Smoke-free locations – Anywhere that prohibits smoking of tobacco will also not allow marijuana use, including hotels, restaurants, and other indoor venues.
- Child care facilities – Locations that care for children will not permit marijuana use.
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities – Hospitals, doctors offices, assisted living facilities generally don’t allow patient marijuana use on premises.
Consuming Medical Marijuana Responsibly
It’s important for registered patients to be responsible when using medical marijuana in Ohio. Be discreet, don’t drive impaired, keep it secured from children, and avoid any for of public intoxication. Also realize that some people may be uncomfortable around marijuana use, so be courteous and avoid medicating in public settings or around non-consenting individuals.
Responsible and legal medical marijuana use can provide significant relief for patients suffering from approved health conditions. Following Ohio’s rules on where it can be used will help ensure the legal program benefits those it aims to help.
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