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By Mastamynd
January 10, 2025
Ohio’s Cannabis Market: Why Medical Marijuana Cards Still Matter
Ohio’s cannabis market is facing some serious challenges. Despite the legalization of recreational marijuana in August 2024, many residents remain frustrated with the high costs of cannabis products. While recent reports suggest prices are falling, many consumers in Ohio’s legal cannabis markets don’t feel the effects. For medical patients and recreational consumers alike, affordability and accessibility remain significant issues, and more Ohioans are questioning whether staying in-state is worth it.
High Prices, Low Satisfaction
For months now, Ohio consumers have been vocal about how expensive cannabis remains. The average cost of one-tenth of an ounce of cannabis flower in Ohio is over $21, amounting to more than $210 per ounce. By comparison, consumers in Michigan can buy the same amount for around $80. This price disparity drives Ohioans to cross state lines to purchase cannabis in Michigan, where the market is more competitive, the taxes are lower, and product options are greater.
Despite the risks of transporting cannabis across state lines, many are willing to take the gamble to save money. These price issues leave consumers frustrated and questioning whether Ohio’s cannabis market truly serves its people.
Why Keeping a Medical Marijuana Card Makes Sense
Amid the frustration, it’s worth asking: Should Ohioans still consider keeping a medical marijuana card? The answer is yes, and here’s why:
Lower Taxes: Medical marijuana patients pay significantly less in taxes compared to recreational consumers. Additionally, medical patients who are disabled receive further discounts.
Higher Purchase Limits: Medical marijuana patients can purchase up to a 90-day supply, which is approximately 8 ounces of flower. In contrast, recreational marijuana consumers are limited to possessing 2.5 ounces of flower and 15 grams of concentrates.
Better Access: Medical dispensaries often carry a wider variety of products, including higher-potency options tailored to specific medical conditions.
Legal Protection: A medical card provides an added layer of legal protection, ensuring patients can possess and use cannabis for their conditions without additional scrutiny.
Ohio vs. Michigan: Why We’re Losing Consumers
Ohio’s cannabis market continues to struggle due to its restrictive rules and lack of consumer-focused policies. Here’s how Michigan outperforms Ohio:
Lower Costs: Michigan’s competitive market keeps prices low, making it more attractive to consumers.
Advertising Freedom: Michigan dispensaries can use a variety of advertising platforms to connect with customers, while Ohio’s restrictive rules limit dispensaries to email campaigns and social media, which don’t reach everyone.
Product Variety: Ohio dispensaries often lack the diversity of products that consumers expect, further fueling the exodus to Michigan.
Tax Differences: Recreational consumers in Ohio pay a 10% cannabis sales tax in addition to local sales taxes, which vary depending on the dispensary’s location. This makes recreational cannabis significantly more expensive compared to medical cannabis, which has lower taxes and additional discounts for disabled patients.
Time for Change
Ohio’s cannabis market needs significant reforms to retain consumers and ensure its programs work for everyone. Here are a few suggestions:
Loosen Advertising Restrictions: Dispensaries need the ability to connect with consumers through more robust and inclusive advertising campaigns.
Promote the Medical Program: More public awareness campaigns about the benefits of maintaining a medical marijuana card could help patients make informed choices.
Lower Costs: Addressing high taxes and licensing fees could bring down product prices and make Ohio’s market more competitive.
Expand Qualifying Conditions: Conditions like anxiety and insomnia should be included in Ohio’s medical program to help more patients access care.
Let’s Talk: Your Voice Matters
As the founder of Ohio Cannabis Live, I’m dedicated to amplifying your voice. That’s why we’re planning an Ohio Cannabis Town Hall in Columbus, Ohio. This event will give medical patients, recreational consumers, and industry stakeholders a chance to share their concerns and ideas directly with lawmakers and community leaders. Together, we can create a system that works for all Ohioans.
If you’re interested in participating or attending, email us at info@ohiocannabislive.com with the subject line “Ohio Cannabis Town Hall.” Let’s work together to bring about meaningful change.
About Me
Hello, Ohio cannabis community. My name is Mastamynd. I’ve been an advocate for cannabis reform and education since 2018, when I became one of the first patients in Ohio’s medical marijuana program. Through my platform, Ohio Cannabis Live, I’ve created over 1000 videos and built a community dedicated to promoting awareness, transparency, and unity in Ohio’s cannabis industry. Join me as we continue working toward a better future for all cannabis consumers in Ohio.
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