In Ohio, there are several key differences between shopping for medical marijuana versus non-medical marijuana, each with its own set of benefits:
- Access and Legal Requirements: Medical marijuana in Ohio is available to patients who have been certified by a physician to have one of the qualifying medical conditions. Non-Medical marijuana, on the other hand, is available to anyone over the age of 21 without medical certification. So, if you have a qualifying medical condition, obtaining medical marijuana may be easier due to the streamlined access process.
- Taxation: In many states, including Ohio, medical marijuana is often taxed at a lower rate compared to non-medical marijuana. This can result in cost savings for medical marijuana patients.
- Product Selection and Potency: Medical marijuana dispensaries may offer a wider variety of products tailored to specific medical conditions and patient needs. Additionally, medical marijuana products may have higher potency limits compared to non-medical products, allowing patients to access stronger medications if needed.
- Legal Protections: In some states, including Ohio, medical marijuana patients are afforded certain legal protections that non-medical users may not have. For example, medical marijuana patients may be permitted to possess larger quantities of marijuana or grow their own plants for personal use.
- Consultation and Support: Medical marijuana dispensaries often employ knowledgeable staff who can provide guidance on product selection, dosing, and usage techniques tailored to individual patient needs. This level of personalized support may be beneficial for patients who are new to using marijuana as a medical treatment.
- Cost Savings: While medical marijuana patients in Ohio are required to obtain a medical marijuana card, which may come with associated fees, they may ultimately save money on their marijuana purchases due to tax breaks and potential discounts offered by dispensaries for medical patients.
Ultimately, the decision between shopping for medical marijuana versus non-medical marijuana in Ohio will depend on factors such as your medical needs, legal considerations, and personal preferences. If you have a qualifying medical condition and are seeking marijuana for therapeutic purposes, exploring the medical marijuana program may offer you additional benefits and protections compared to purchasing non-medical marijuana.