Since its legalization in 2016 with House Bill 523, medical marijuana in Ohio has become a big deal. Thousands of Ohioans are registered with the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program and most have already made their first purchase at a dispensary. However, finding a dispensary that is both close by and trustworthy isn’t always easy and some research may be necessary.
Do you qualify for an Ohio medical marijuana card? Find out if you pre-qualify in 5 minutes or less by completing our easy online eligibility survey. If you have questions about Ohio medical marijuana, call speak with our office today at (877) 899.3626.
Where Can I Find Dispensaries in Ohio?
Here is a current list (as of 03/01/2020) of all Ohio medical marijuana dispensaries open for business:
Locations:
1525 Genntown Drive, Unit B-5, Lebanon, OH 45036
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Locations:
737 E. North Street, Akron, OH 44305
1361 Georgesville Road, Columbus, OH 43228
1238 Conant Street, Maumee, OH 43537
382 Blackbrook Road, Painesville, OH 44077
403 South Main Street, Seven Mile, OH 45011
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- The Botanist
Locations:
3840 Greentree Ave SW, Unit 4, Canton, OH
30133 Euclid Avenue, Unit C, Wickliffe, OH
3865 Lakeside Avenue East, Cleveland, OH
115 Vine Street, Columbus, OH
46 South Summit Street, Akron, OH
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Locations:
3 Acy Avenue, Jackson, OH 45640
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Locations:
709 Sugar Lane, Elyria, Ohio 44035
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Locations:
180 Main St, Steubenville, OH 43953
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Locations:
1088 N High Street, Hillsboro, OH 45133
- Eagle Dispensary
Locations:
502 Dixie Hwy, Wapakoneta, OH 45895
Locations:
1651 Tiffin Ave, Sandusky, OH 44870
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Locations:
1865 Dresden Ave, East Liverpool, OH 43920
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Locations:
2932 Youngstown Rd SE, Warren, Ohio 44484
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- Have A Heart Cincy
Locations:
8420 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45216
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- Leaf Relief
Locations:
4323 Market St, Youngstown, OH 44512
Locations:
5604 Airway Rd, Riverside, OH 45431
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Locations:
23024 CR 621, Suite 1, Coshocton, OH 43812
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Locations:
1250 N 21st Street, Newark, OH 43055
Locations:
3560 Dolson Court, Suite B, Carroll, OH 43112
Locations:
840 Canton Rd, Wintersville, OH 43953
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Locations:
1875 Needmore Rd, Dayton, Ohio 45414
1711 W. Main St, Springfield, Ohio 45504
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Locations:
1222 Prospect Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115
11818 Madison Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107
1920 Cooper Foster Park Road, Lorain, OH 44053
3157 West Sylvania, Toledo, OH 43613
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Locations:
1155 North Main Street, Bowling Green, OH, 43402
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Locations:
333 Wayne Ave, Dayton, OH 45410
245 W. Main St, Logan, OH 43138
414 Greene Street, Marietta, OH 45750
300 N. Main Street, Monroe, OH 45050
Locations:
656 Grandview Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
10500 Antenucci Blvd #200, Garfield Heights, OH 44125
1800 E State St, Fremont, OH 43420
183 Raydo Circle, Springfield, OH 45506
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Locations:
1243 North Cassady Avenue, Columbus, OH 43219
326 James Way, Marion, OH 43302
1546 W Church St, Newark, OH 43055
5149 Kennedy Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45213
1641 N Bridge St, Chillicothe, OH 45601
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Locations:
5431 Ridge Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45213
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Locations:
1851 Steinway Blvd SE, Canton, OH 44707
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How are Dispensaries Founded?
In Ohio, dispensaries are subject to a wide variety of laws to ensure the patient is receiving high quality marijuana. To start, the Ohio Board of Pharmacy is only allowed sixty provisional licenses to award prospective dispensaries. They may increase this number now that the program has been up and running, but must consider the number of dispensaries, state population, and the number of patients seeking marijuana before doing so [1].
The Board of Pharmacy is the main entity behind the distribution arm of the OMMCP and acted as the main judge for which dispensary applicants were granted licenses. The applications were judged on four points: business plan, compliance and enforcement, patient care, and their patient care plan. This essentially means that those dispensaries that are now operational are the best the state has to offer.
What Forms of Marijuana are Available at Dispensaries?
Ohio dispensaries are able to carry several forms of marijuana. These forms are full flower plant matter, tinctures, edibles, oils/concentrates, and patches. Each form has its own pros and cons which are important to know before using.
Plant Matter
Plant matter is most likely the most abundant form of medical marijuana and the most affordable in most places. Though it is illegal to smoke the flower, it is still possible to vaporize in a similar way. Using the full flower may also have a big advantage over other forms, studies show that by ingesting the full spectrum of cannabinoids in marijuana, there may be a cooperative effect that enhances the benefits of the plant. This has been called the “entourage effect” [2].
Tinctures
Tinctures are unique in their method of application. By using a dropper to carefully place a few drops under the tongue, the cannabinoids in marijuana are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and are able to bypass the digestive system altogether (an important factor in pharmaceuticals). Studies have found that sublingual application also increases bioavailability and drug response [3].
Edibles
Edibles may be the second most famous form of marijuana, and for good reason. They are easy to ingest, come in a variety of shapes and doses, and have a wide availability. Compared to other forms, edibles will likely take the longest to “hit” due to their absorption through the digestive system. This also results in some changes to the chemicals, causing new forms of THC to be made, which some researchers believe causes the stronger and longer lasting highs of high THC edibles [4].
Oils & Concentrates
Oils and concentrates are similar and may come in full spectrum or cannabinoid-only varieties. These forms allow for stronger doses in less volume compared to other forms and should be used with care. It is much easier to take too much of a concentrate compared to plant matter.
Patches & Topicals
Patches and topicals are generally used for skin or other superficial problems. Some research shows CBD as being effective in helping manage certain skin and muscle conditions like dryness, soreness, and inflammation. Some also believe that patches may help those with acne and aging as well. It is important to note, though, that the user will most likely not feel any effects of the patch outside of the area it has been placed on.
In Conclusion
Dispensaries are an important and highly regulated part of the Ohio medical marijuana program. They are responsible for not only providing quality products, but helping and guiding patients as well. They are allowed to sell several different products, each in a range of doses, and each also having their own pros and cons. If you are considering medical marijuana, it is important to speak with a certified medical marijuana physician about which form may be best for you.
Cited Works
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2198789/
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2689518/
Dr. Rothman is a diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He has received multiple special awards and recognitions, including Physician of the Year, from the Pinellas County Medical Association (2014 – 2015) and the President’s Service Award from the Pinellas County Medical Society.
He attended medical school at State University of New York Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York, where he also completed his Obstetrics and Gynecology residency. In addition to practicing medicine, Dr. Rothman’s professional career includes being an Assistant Professor at the University of South Florida and Clinical Instructor at the University of Tampa’s College of Nursing.
Dr. Rothman received his Florida Medical Marijuana Physicians Certification in 2016 and was one of the first recommending physicians through DocMJ in the state and is loved by many of those early patients today.