Certification Process

To obtain a medical marijuana card in Ohio:

1. Consult a Certified Physician: Schedule an appointment with a physician who is certified by the State Medical Board of Ohio to recommend medical marijuana.
2. Recommendation: They will electronically enter your information into the Ohio Medical Marijuana Patient or Caregiver Registry.
3. Register Online: Complete your registration through the Ohio Patient & Caregiver Registry.
4. Activate Your Card: As of March 2024, the state charges a nominal fee of $0.01 for the registration. Once your application is processed, you can download or print your medical marijuana card directly from the registry portal.

In Ohio, a medical marijuana certification is valid for one year from the date it is issued. After this period, patients need to renew their certification to continue accessing medical cannabis.

Complete Your Patient Profile

Within 90 days of the physician’s recommendation, log in to the Ohio Patient & Caregiver Registry to:

• Create an account and set a secure password.
• Verify your identity and Ohio residency by uploading a valid Ohio driver’s license or state ID.
• Review and agree to the program’s legal terms.

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1. Schedule a Renewal Appointment
   Schedule your appointment. You can choose to see your previous doctor or select a new one. Telehealth options are available for your convenience.
2. Consult with the Physician
   During the appointment, the physician will assess your current medical condition and determine if you still qualify for medical cannabis use. If you qualify, they will submit a new recommendation to the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program (OMMCP).
3. Complete the State Renewal Process
   After receiving the new recommendation, log into the Ohio Medical Marijuana Registry at com. Click on the “RENEW CARD” button and follow the prompts to complete your renewal. A nominal fee of $0.01 is required for the renewal.
4. Receive Your Renewed Card
   Once your renewal is processed, you can download and print your new medical marijuana card from the registry. The card will be valid for one year from the date of issuance.

What About Home Cultivation?

As of June 2025, Ohio has not yet implemented a medical home cultivation program. Here’s the current status:

• Medical marijuana patients and caregivers cannot legally grow cannabis at home under Ohio’s medical program.
• Recreational marijuana legislation passed in November 2023 (Issue 2) allows limited home cultivation (up to 6 plants per adult, 12 per household), but the medical program itself still does not include cultivation privileges for patients.
• Licensing for cultivation (like Level I/II/III cultivator licenses) is separate and intended for commercial operations only, not individuals.

Assistance

For more information or assistance:

• Helpline: 1-833-4OH-MMCP (1-833-464-6627)

• Start Early: Begin the renewal process at least 30 days before your card expires to avoid any lapses in your registration.
• Expiration Notice: You will receive a notification 45 days prior to your card’s expiration date.
• Processing Time: Allow up to 10 business days for processing after submitting your renewal application.

1. Eligibility

To qualify as a caregiver in Ohio, you must:

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Be an Ohio resident.
• Not be listed in certain exclusion databases.

2. Physician’s Role

The patient’s recommending physician must submit a caregiver registration on your behalf. This includes:

• Your personal information.
• The patient’s details.
• The physician’s information and recommendation date.

3. Activation Email

Once submitted, you’ll receive an activation email from the Ohio Board of Pharmacy. Follow the instructions to:

• Set up your account.
• Pay the $25 annual fee.

4. Background Check

A background check will be conducted, which may take up to 7-10 business days. Ensure your email inbox is monitored for notifications.

5. Receive Your Card

Upon approval, you’ll receive an email notification. You can then download and print your caregiver card from the registry portal. This card allows you to purchase and administer medical marijuana to your designated patient.

• Patient Registration: $50 annually.
• Caregiver Registration: $25 annually per patient.
• Veteran & Indigent Discounts: 25% off (documentation required).

In Ohio, a medical marijuana certification is valid for one year from the date it is issued. After this period, patients need to renew their certification to continue accessing medical cannabis.

Renewal Process:

1. Reevaluation: You’ll need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your certifying physician to discuss your condition and whether medical cannabis is still appropriate.
2. Submit Renewal: Your physician will submit the renewal to the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program (OMMCP).
3. Activate Your Card: As of March 2024, the state charges a nominal fee of $0.01 for the registration. Once your application is processed, you can download or print your medical marijuana card directly from the registry portal. .

Expiration:

• If your certification expires and you have not renewed it, you will lose access to medical marijuana dispensaries until your certification is reissued.
• To avoid any lapse in access, it’s advisable to start the renewal process a few weeks before the expiration date.

To qualify, you must be an Ohio resident diagnosed with one of the state-approved medical conditions, such as cancer, PTSD, multiple sclerosis, or chronic pain. A licensed Ohio physician must evaluate and certify your condition.

Yes! With DigiDrs, you can complete the entire process online—from your initial application to your virtual doctor evaluation. Once approved, you’ll receive your Medical Cannabis Recommendation and registration instructions by email.

Ohio law permits registered patients to access various forms of medical cannabis, including oils, tinctures, capsules, and metered-dose inhalers. Smoking raw or crude cannabis is prohibited under Ohio law.

After your doctor approves your certification, DigiDrs typically delivers your recommendation within 24 hours. You can then register with the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program to receive your Medical Marijuana Card.

Once you have your Medical Marijuana Card, you can legally purchase medical cannabis from licensed dispensaries approved by the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program. A full list of dispensaries is available on their website: