Obtaining a medical marijuana card in Ohio requires navigating the administrative steps of the state’s Medical Marijuana Control Program (MMCP). The total cost is not a single, fixed price but a combination of two primary expenses: the fee paid to a certifying physician and the fee associated with state registration. Understanding the current structure of these costs is helpful for anyone considering becoming a registered patient in the state.
Understanding the Cost of the Physician Recommendation
The first and often largest expense is the mandatory consultation with a physician certified to recommend medical marijuana. These physicians must be registered with the State Medical Board of Ohio and complete specific continuing medical education requirements. The cost for this initial visit is variable because it is set by the individual physician or clinic, not the state MMCP.
The typical price range for a new patient evaluation generally falls between $100 and $300. This fee covers the physician’s time to review medical records, confirm a qualifying condition, and issue the one-year medical marijuana recommendation. Many clinics now offer telehealth appointments, which may sometimes be offered at a lower price point.
The cost fluctuates based on the provider’s business model and whether the consultation is conducted in person or via telemedicine. This payment is made directly to the physician’s office and is separate from any fees associated with the state’s patient registry. Once the physician issues the recommendation, the patient is entered into the state registry and can proceed with the final steps.
Required State Registration and Card Fees
After receiving the physician’s recommendation, the patient must complete the registration process with the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control (DCC). Historically, this step involved an annual fee paid directly to the state. However, the DCC officially eliminated the state registration fee for all patients and caregivers in May 2024.
This means there is currently no annual fee required to activate or maintain the card in the state registry. Previously, the fee was $50 for patients and $25 for caregivers. Despite the state fee being zero, patients must still log into the online registry to finalize their registration and activate their card.
Registering with Veteran or Indigent status remains beneficial, even though the state fee is eliminated. Patients approved for these statuses are eligible for significant discounts, often up to 30%, on medical marijuana purchases at licensed dispensaries across Ohio. Indigent status generally requires providing documentation proving enrollment in programs like Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income.
What to Budget for Renewals and Related Expenses
The financial commitment to the Ohio medical marijuana program is an annual cycle, as both the physician’s recommendation and the state registration are only valid for one year. To maintain uninterrupted access, patients must budget for the annual physician recertification visit. This renewal consultation is often priced lower than the initial visit, typically ranging from around $70 to $150, but this still varies by provider.
During the renewal appointment, the certified physician reviews the patient’s ongoing condition and confirms that continued use of medical marijuana is appropriate. Once the doctor issues the updated recommendation, the patient must again log into the state’s online registry to complete the renewal process. The state renewal is also currently free, aligning with the elimination of the initial registration fee.
Beyond the annual renewal costs, patients should consider the value of maintaining their active card. Registered patients are exempt from the additional excise tax that is applied to adult-use recreational marijuana sales in Ohio. This tax exemption can result in substantial savings over the course of a year, particularly for patients who purchase product frequently.