How Much Cannabis Can You Buy in Ohio?

Both medical and recreational marijuana are legal in Ohio, but there are some rules you have to abide by when indulging in the Buckeye State. In this guide, we’ll do a deep dive into the cannabis laws of Ohio as of January 2024, answering the questions:

• Who Can Purchase Cannabis in Ohio?
• Is Recreational Marijuana Legal in Ohio?
• How Much Medical Cannabis Can You Purchase in Ohio?
• How Much Cannabis Can You Possess in Ohio?
• Answering FAQs About Cannabis in Ohio

The state of Ohio currently only allows qualified medical marijuana patients (or their caregivers) to purchase cannabis. While recreational cannabis was legalized in 2023, there’s a catch: the state has not approved medical marijuana dispensaries to sell marijuana to recreational consumers. That means qualified adults have to wait to buy their cannabis from a licensed dispensary. That said, the state is working on its recreational cannabis laws and regulations, and it’s likely that dispensaries will be ready to cater to recreational marijuana enthusiasts toward the end of 2024.

Yes, recreational marijuana is legal for adults aged 21 and older in Ohio as of November 7, 2023. However, the availability of retail establishments is yet to be fully realized, presenting a unique scenario where possession and cultivation are permitted, but regulated sales remain pending. This situation is anticipated to evolve as the state continues to develop its recreational cannabis infrastructure. 

Both qualifying patients with a medical marijuana card and their caregivers can purchase cannabis during two 45-day fill-day periods across a 90-day recommendation from a licensed physician. The process is slightly confusing, but essentially, when the patient is recommended for the medical marijuana program, their first 45-day period starts. During this period, at any point, they can purchase a 45-day supply of medical marijuana. When those 45 days end, they can purchase a second 45-day supply. 

A full day’s supply equates to: 

• One-tenth of an ounce of flower

• 295 mg of THC in a patch, lotion, cream, or ointment
• 110 mg of THC in a tincture, oil, capsule, or edible
• 590 mg of THC in oil designed for vaporization
  
  

The amount of cannabis an Ohio resident can possess depends on whether they’re a recreational consumer or a medical marijuana patient. Currently, the possession limits are:

Medical Marijuana Patients: Registered medical marijuana patients in Ohio are allowed to possess up to a 90-day supply of medical cannabis. The exact amount is broken down into a whole day unit, which varies between a tenth of an ounce of cannabis flower, 295 mg of THC in lotion, patch, cream, or ointment, 110 mg of THC oil, tincture, capsule, or edible, and 590 mg of THC oil designed for vaporizing. 

Everyone Else: Adults who are 21 or older are allowed to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and half an ounce (15 grams) of concentrate. They are also allowed to grow up to six marijuana plants in their home. If there is more than one adult in the house, only 12 plants total can be grown. 

If you’re interested in learning more about cannabis in Ohio, you’re not alone. Here are a few frequently asked and answered questions:

Do I need a medical card to buy marijuana in Ohio?
While recreational cannabis was legalized on November 7, 2023, currently the only way to purchase cannabis from a state-licensed dispensary is by obtaining a medical marijuana card. The Ohio Division of Cannabis Control is working on the recreational dispensary license application process, but dispensaries will remain medical only until that is resolved.

Are edibles legal in Ohio?
Edibles are legal for both medical marijuana patients and recreational cannabis enthusiasts as long as they fall under the possession and 90-day fill limits.

Are dispensaries legal in Ohio?
Dispensaries are legal in Ohio. Right now, only medical marijuana dispensaries are open to purchase cannabis in Ohio. Licenses will likely be issued for medical dispensaries to sell recreational marijuana under a social equity program.

The legalization of recreational marijuana in Ohio marks a significant step forward in cannabis reform. As the state continues to implement regulations and establish retail infrastructure, residents can look forward to a more accessible and regulated cannabis market.