Medical Marijuana in Ohio
With pressure mounting from the State of Ohio’s patient community, Governor Kasich signed into law HB 523, legalizing medical marijuana. Under this law, there will be three (3) agencies to oversee the state’s medical marijuana program: (1) the Department of Commerce; (2) the Board of Pharmacy; and (3) State Medical Board. The Department of Commerce has the authority to mandate regulations for cultivators and testing labs. The Board of Pharmacy is given the responsibility to create regulations for dispensaries and the patient registry. Lastly, the State Medical Board will oversee the licensed physicians in the State of Ohio.
On January 18, 2022, the Medical Marijuana Control Program (“MMCP”) will be holding a public hearing to propose adding a definition of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which will include other isomers and analogs to clarify how each is applied under the law. If amended, this will change the packaging, labeling, and testing rules to reflect the definition changes. We will update the site when a final decision is made.
Upcoming Medical Marijuana Business Licenses in Ohio
The State of Ohio has several different types of Medical Marijuana Business Licenses that you can acquire:
1. Medical Marijuana Cultivator License
The Ohio Department of Commerce grants two (2) types of cultivator licenses:
- Level 1 – which allows cultivators to operate an initial area up to 25,000 sq. ft.
- Level 2 – which allows cultivators to operate an initial area up to 3,000 sq. ft.
Presently, there are twenty-seven (27) Certificate of Operation Licensees and nine (9) Provisional Licensees in the State of Ohio.
You can view a Cultivator License application here: Application Example
Our team can work with you to put your application and business plan together.
Currently, the application period for this license is closed. However, now is the time to start creating the foundation of your medical marijuana cultivation business. For further information, please contact one of our experts today!
2. Medical Marijuana Processor License
The Ohio Department of Commerce grants three (3) types of processor licenses:
(1) Standalone; (2) Vertically-Integrated Facilities; and (3) Plant-only Processor – cultivators who distribute plant material directly to dispensaries.
Presently, there are thirty-seven (37) Certificate of Operation Licensees and nine (9) Provisional Licensees in the State of Ohio.
You can view a Processor License application here: Application
Our team can work with you to put your application and business plan together.
Currently, the application period for this license is closed. With the expansion of medical marijuana opportunities, now is the time to get a strong team together to help you achieve your medical marijuana processor business goals. Schedule a consultation with us today!
3. Medical Marijuana Testing License
The Ohio Department of Commerce oversees the licensing process for testing licenses, including university and private labs.
Presently, there are four (4) Certificates of Operation Licensees and seven (7) Provisional Licensees in the State of Ohio.
The most recent application period was between September 25, 2020 to November 27, 2020. However, as there is no limit to the number of testing licenses, now is the time to start working towards your business plan and drafting your application. Contact one of our experts today!
4. Medical Marijuana Dispensary License
The State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy oversees the licensing process for dispensary licenses.
Presently, there are fifty-five (55) dispensaries with Certificates of Operation in the State of Ohio.
You can view a 2017-2018 Provisional Dispensary License application here: Application Example
Our team can work with you to put your application and business plan together.
The most recent application period was between November 4, 2021 to November 18, 2021. As state laws continue to expand the cannabis industry, it is crucial to begin your business plan and application as soon as possible. Schedule a consultation with one of our experts today!