Ohio refines its model for regulating medical cannabis

As the 26th state to legalize the medical use of cannabis, Ohio had few details so far regarding its future regulatory model.

The medical cannabis program will begin in September 2018, with very strict rules. Sixty dispensaries will be granted a license to distribute cannabis, in addition to the 40 initially planned. The registration fee for the program will be 50,001 TP4T, while each year of the license will cost 70,0001 TP4T.

On the production side, 24 cannabis cultivation licenses will be issued, while 185 people have already applied. Forty companies will be able to process cannabis into oils, patches, skin creams, capsules, or edibles.

The law does not permit the personal cultivation or consumption of cannabis in the form of dried herb. Patients may not purchase more than a 90-day supply within a 90-day period, and no more than a 1-day supply at any one time, which amounts to 226.8 grams with less than 23% of THC or its THC equivalent for 90 days, or 150.3 grams with more than 23%.

Ohio is the first state to calculate the permitted quantities in this way. There are also other restrictions for each type of product sold; for more information, please see to the official document.

Patients will be required to pay 50$ for annual enrollment in the medical cannabis program, with a discount of 50% for veterans and people receiving federal assistance due to their disability.

Medical cannabis treatment may be used to treat 21 conditions, including:

• HIV/AIDS
• Alzheimer
• Charcot's disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
• Cancer
• Crohn's disease
• Epilepsy
• Fibromyalgia
• Glaucoma
• Hepatitis C
• Multiple sclerosis
• Chronic and severe pain, or intractable pain
• Parkison
• Tourette's
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Doctors will be required to complete a 2-hour training course and register with the State Medical Board in order to prescribe cannabis to their patients. They will also be required to explain to patients the benefits and risks of cannabis use.

The number of licenses granted for production and distribution may be increased after September 8, 2018, if demand is too high.