The cost of accessing medical marijuana in Ohio involves initial administrative fees and the ongoing retail cost of various cannabis forms. The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program (OMMCP) governs this system, requiring patients to navigate a multi-step process with distinct financial obligations. Understanding these financial layers, from the initial doctor’s visit to the final purchase at a dispensary, is necessary to determine the comprehensive cost of participation. This analysis breaks down both the mandatory fees for program enrollment and the typical pricing structure for medical cannabis products in the state.
Required Fees for Patient Enrollment
The first required expense for a patient seeking to use the program is the physician recommendation and consultation fee. This cost is set by the individual certified medical practitioner and generally falls between $100 and $300 for the initial visit. Since the physician’s certification must be renewed annually, patients face a recertification fee each year, which is often slightly lower than the first consultation fee.
The Ohio Division of Cannabis Control eliminated the annual patient and caregiver registration fee as of May 15, 2024. This change made the state-mandated card activation free. This removed a former annual cost of $50 for patients and $25 for caregivers, and eliminated the need for the previous 50% reduction mechanism for indigent or veteran patients.
Product Pricing by Type
Flower
The price of medical marijuana products at Ohio dispensaries is variable, depending on factors like product type, potency, brand, and dispensary location. Flower, the dried cannabis plant material, is commonly sold in units of 2.83 grams, which the state defines as a “whole day unit.” The cost for this 2.83-gram unit typically ranges from $28 to $42, though sale prices can bring this down significantly. Pricing for larger quantities, such as a half-ounce (14.15 grams), can range from $90 to over $130. The average price per gram of flower in the Ohio market is around $16.77.
Concentrates
Concentrates, which include products like wax, shatter, and vape cartridges, represent a higher-potency category. The price for a full gram of concentrate can be anywhere from $36 to $80 or more. Pre-filled vape cartridges often cost between $40 and $60 for a half-gram or one-gram unit. These products are dosed based on their total cannabinoid content, which often translates to a higher cost per unit compared to flower.
Edibles and Tinctures
Edibles, such as gummies, chocolates, and baked goods, are regulated by their total tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. They are often sold in packages totaling 100 milligrams of THC. The average price for a 100-milligram edible package is typically between $16 and $25, but this can fluctuate based on the manufacturer and dispensary specials. Tinctures, which are liquid extracts administered sublingually, are also priced based on their cannabinoid content, with a 110mg tincture often priced around $30 to $44. The cost of all product types has dropped significantly since the program’s inception, indicating a maturing market with increasing product accessibility.
Variables That Change the Total Cost
Supply Limits
The total amount a patient spends is shaped by Ohio’s specific purchasing regulations, particularly the 45-day supply limit structure. The state breaks a patient’s recommendation into two 45-day fill periods. A patient can purchase up to a 45-day supply in each period, regardless of when they visit the dispensary within that window. This structure limits bulk purchasing power and dictates the frequency of necessary dispensary visits, as any unused supply from one period does not roll over to the next.
Discounts and Loyalty Programs
Discounts and loyalty programs significantly reduce the out-of-pocket expenses for many patients. Dispensaries commonly offer a percentage-based discount, often 20% to 30%, for patients registered with veteran or indigent status. Many dispensaries also run daily or weekly specials, first-time patient deals, and bulk-purchase price breaks. Patients are encouraged to monitor dispensary menus and sign up for communications to take advantage of these savings opportunities.
Tax Structure
The tax structure also affects the final cost. Medical cannabis purchases in Ohio are subject to state and local sales tax, which varies by county, typically falling between 6.5% and 8.0%. Medical marijuana is exempt from the 10% excise tax applied to adult-use (recreational) cannabis sales in the state. This exemption offers a financial advantage to registered medical patients, keeping the total transaction price lower compared to the recreational market.