Top Medical and Recreational Marijuana Dispensaries in Ohio: Where to Buy in 2024
For medical marijuana patients and newcomers alike, this article showcases the top-rated dispensaries for purchasing legal cannabis across Ohio as of 2024. We detail the 10 best MMJ dispensaries for exceptional patient care based on extensive research. Ohio legalized medical marijuana in 2016, but requires doctor-issued patient cards only accessible with a qualified condition. As the program expands dispensary options this year, we spotlight the premier retailers leading the way in product variety, treatment guidance and overall service. Whether a long-time patient or beginning your MMJ journey, this definitive top dispensary guide aims to connect you to legal, high-quality cannabis relief.
Ohio Marijuana Laws: 2024 Updates
Ohio’s approach to cannabis is taking a significant turn in 2024 with updates to medical marijuana laws that will affect a wide range of stakeholders from patients to providers. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what’s new:
- Planned Expansion and Taxation: Ohio is planning to broaden marijuana access, with a high likelihood of passing legislation that would permit possession from authorized retailers or through self-cultivation. Alongside this, a proposed tax structure suggests implementing a 15% excise tax on marijuana, which could be further supplemented by a potential 3% local tax. The revenue generated from these taxes is intended to be allocated to various public initiatives, including law enforcement and health programs.
- Licensing Enhancements: The state is set to release 40 cultivator licenses and 50 dispensary licenses, prioritizing candidates from the Cannabis Social Equity and Jobs Program. The possibility of additional licenses will be assessed two years following the initial issuance.
- Medical Program Continuity: The Medical Marijuana Control Program (MMCP) will continue under the Division of Cannabis Control. Patients and caregivers are advised to maintain their registration to benefit from medical guidance and tax exemptions on purchases.
- Transitional Provisions: Until the transfer of responsibilities is complete, the Board of Pharmacy (BOP) and the Department of Commerce (COM) will manage marijuana licensing and oversight. Applications for patient and caregiver registrations will initially be processed by the BOP, later transitioning to the Department of Marijuana Control (DMC).
- Regulatory Revisions: The DMC will establish new rules and procedures, reflecting those previously set by the COM and BOP. All current licenses and registrations will remain valid until their expiry under the updated regulations.
- Provisional License Extension: Provisional dispensary licenses issued in 2022 are extended to allow licensees additional time to meet operational requirements.
These updates signify Ohio’s progressive stance towards integrating recreational cannabis use with the established medical marijuana system, aiming to streamline the regulatory environment and enhance access and control within the state.
Are Any Recreational Dispensaries Open in Ohio Yet?
No. As of early 2024, Ohio has legalized recreational marijuana, but licensed retail locations still remain months away from debuting.
The new adult-use law gives the Department of Commerce nine months to solidify rules around sales regulations and licensing. This suggests the first recreational dispensaries likely won’t open until September 2024 at the earliest.
The Commerce Department has been establishing initial guidelines around matters like THC potency caps, advertising restrictions, and taxes. But much work remains in formally approving business applications and navigating local zoning protocols before any legal non-medical sales can commence.
After the nine month preparation period concludes in September 2024, approved medical marijuana dispensaries can formally apply for co-location privileges to additionally offer recreational inventory. But purchasing cannabis without an MMJ card will remain illegal anywhere in Ohio until these licensed adult-use retailers officially open doors.
Why Get an Ohio Medical Card?
Despite changing laws, accessing medical marijuana with a doctor-issued card comes with unique privileges that make it worthwhile for eligible patients:
- No excise taxes on purchases, unlike the future 10-17% recreational sales tax;
- Legal protections under state medical cannabis laws;
- Access to specialty MMJ products with targeted therapeutic benefits;
- Ability to possess higher purchase quantities based on doctor recommendation.
An evaluation through Dr. Weedy can facilitate entry into the registry, which lasts for up to 12 months before needing renewal.
Read our guide on obtaining an MMJ card in Ohio
Top 10 Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Ohio
Here are the premier dispensaries to visit across Ohio as on product selection, patient care, accessibility, and overall service:
- The Botanist
The Botanist excels at customer care while offering large product variety including specialty extraction techniques like ice water hash processing and fractional distillation for concentrates. With an acclaimed grow team and lab staff, their focus is crafting high-end botanical medical marijuana treatments.
Address: 46 S Summit St, Akron, OH 44308
Phone: (330) 368-2144
- Bloom Medicinals
7 Locations Statewide Voted best dispensary by Ohio cannabis awards programs 4 years running, Bloom Medicinals provides MMJ beginners and lifelong consumers alike an extensive product arsenal emphasizing entourage effect formulations. They lead educational efforts ensuring patients find their ideal strain, intake method, and dosing protocol.
Address: 403 Main St, Seven Mile, OH 45062
Phone: (513) 447-6459
- Verdant Creations
Verdant’s commitment to top-notch patient experience underlies their affordably priced products stocking shelves at 3 conveniently located dispensaries. As hands-down industry experts, their budtenders elevate and customize every visit.
Address: 1243 N Cassady Ave, Columbus, OH 43219
Phone: (614) 407-3111
- Verilife
Dubbed “the Walmart of weed,” Verilife’s 9 locations aim to make medical marijuana practical and destigmatized through community building and neighborhood-focused stores. Their product diversity ensures whole patient health is addressed, not just symptoms.
Address: 5431 Ridge Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45213
Phone: (513) 599-1550
- Terrasana Cannabis Co.
Terrasana prioritizes personalized needs through specialty recommendation software and embracing the entourage effect in curated formulations. As a leading Ohio corporation with 5 locations, they emphasize sustainable operations from seed to sale.
Address: 656 Grandview Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 434-6929
- Zen Leaf
Dispensaries position patients’ dignity, well-being and self-sufficiency at the core of their MMJ model. Their compassion-forward stores offer device training workshops and financial assistance programs to empower budget-limited patients.
Address: 8420 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45216
Phone: (513) 440-6340
- Pure Ohio Wellness
This locally owned dispensary offers affordable, high-quality medical cannabis to better life quality for Ohio families. They educate about responsible MMJ use while campaigning against lingering stigmas. Fan favorites include their specialty gummy selection.
Address: 1875 Needmore Rd, Dayton, OH 45414
Phone: (937) 519-1420
- Ohio Cannabis Company
Situated in Central Ohio, this family-owned dispensary provides a wide product variety focused specifically on medical use applications. Novel offerings like THC Depreciation patches and intimate oils leverage innovative delivery methods.
Address: 23024 Co Rd 621 Suite 1, Coshocton, OH 43812
Phone: (740) 295-9182
- Ancient Roots
With southern Ohio coverage, Ancient Roots boasts state of the art facilities growing test-batch monitored crops to perfection with strict environment controls and plant biome analytics. Their passion translates into effective MMJ solutions.
Address: 2420 US-68, Wilmington, OH 45177
Phone: (937) 302-4769
- Buckeye Botanicals Dispensary
Buckeye Botanicals is known for its personalized service, offering a variety of cannabis products to meet the diverse needs of its patients in Jackson, Ohio
Address: 3 Acy Ave, Jackson, OH 45640
Phone: (740) 577-9367
Frequently Asked Questions about Ohio Medical Marijuana
How much does a medical marijuana card cost in Ohio 2024?
MMJ card costs range from $129 including physician evaluation fees plus $50 in annual state charges added upon approval.
How old do you have to be to get medical marijuana in Ohio?
You must be at least 18 years old to qualify for an Ohio medical marijuana card. Those under 18 may enroll in a special program requiring guardian oversight.
When will recreational dispensaries open up in Ohio?
Exact launch timelines depend on licensing and regulatory approvals over the coming months.
Is medical weed cheaper than recreational products will be in Ohio?
Yes, experts predict substantial tax additions to recreational pricing whereas medical marijuana remains tax-free. MMJ also enables higher purchase amounts without supply limits.
