In the 1970s, Ohio was one of the first states to decriminalize marijuana. Despite starting out ahead of the game, the Buckeye State only just recently legalized recreational cannabis. So, what does this mean for medical marijuana edibles? Are edibles legal in Ohio?
In this article, we’ll break down the current laws around edibles in Ohio and what you need to know to access them legally.
Are you ready to learn about THC edibles and whether they’re legal in Ohio? Let’s get into it.
Do Ohio Marijuana Laws Allow Edibles?
Per Ohio law, medical marijuana has been legal for patients with qualifying medical conditions since 2016. For a long time, only medical marijuana patients had access to these products, but with newly legalized recreational marijuana, those 21 and older can find these types of medical marijuana products at licensed dispensaries across the state.
This change came with the passage of Issue 2, or the Marijuana Legalization Initiative, in November 2023, which legalized adult-use cannabis in Ohio. Under the new law, adults 21 and over are permitted to possess and use cannabis products, including edibles, which are often used for recreational purposes.
How Much Edibles Can You Possess in Ohio?
Like other medical marijuana products, edibles are subject to certain marijuana possession limits. You can possess up to 70 grams of marijuana in the state, according to cannabis laws.
More specifically, this limit is based on the “flower equivalent.” That means that for edibles, Ohio considers how much THC they contain compared to raw cannabis flower. Recreational users may possess up to 2.5 ounces (about 70 grams) of cannabis, or up to 15 grams of concentrate, which is how it’s measured in many edible forms.
Do You Need a Medical Marijuana Card to Buy Edibles in Ohio?
So, how can you get edibles in Ohio? Do you need an Ohio medical marijuana card to purchase marijuana edibles?
Technically, no, as Ohio recreational weed is now fully legalized. In August 2024, Ohio officially began adult-use, recreational sales at licensed “dual-use” dispensaries. This means that those 21 and older will be able to enter dispensaries and purchase products like edibles.
That said, medical patients still enjoy benefits like lower taxes, priority access during busy days, and a wider selection of high-potency products. That makes getting an Ohio medical marijuana card a smart choice if you have a qualifying medical condition, such as arthritis, anxiety, chronic pain, and more.
Where Can I Get Edibles in Ohio?
So, where should you go to legally get edibles in Ohio?
When shopping for cannabis products like edibles, it’s crucial to stick to licensed dispensaries that will give you the highest-quality marijuana products. These state-regulated retailers follow strict safety standards, lab testing requirements, and proper labeling. That means you can be sure you get a safe, consistent dose every time. Never buy from unregulated or sketchy online sellers that don’t provide third-party testing results or have official Ohio licensing.
Choosing your favorite marijuana dispensary in OH comes down to personal experience with staff, prices, and availability of products, and proximity to your residence. It’s fun to explore and try out different dispensaries, so take your pick!
Here are some top-rated Ohio dispensaries:
- Pure Ohio Wellness in Dayton
- Buckeye Botanicals in Jackson
- Bloom Medicinals in Painesville
- RISE in Lakewood
- The Botanist in Columbus
Can You Order Edibles Online in Ohio?
Many Ohio dispensaries offer online ordering. This gives patients the option to choose their medical marijuana products online, place an order, and pick them up from the dispensary when they’re ready.
On the other hand, shipping THC edibles to Ohio from anywhere is illegal. But if you are looking for edibles derived from hemp that contain less than 0.3% THC, there are options for shipping. Just make sure you find a trusted retailer that provides third-party testing and plenty of reviews.
If you are unable to visit dispensaries yourself, apply for an Ohio medical marijuana caregiver. An MMJ caregiver picks up your cannabis products from a dispensary and delivers them to you.
Types of Edibles You Can Try
So you’ve heard of marijuana edibles. But what exactly falls under that category? Let’s break down the different types available.
- Gummies: Sweet, fruity, chewy gummy bears. Popular because they’re tasty and very easy to consume.
- Baked goods: Traditional edibles like brownies, cakes, and cookies infused with weed.
- Chocolates: Weed-infused chocolates are high in fat, so it may take a while for the effects to kick in. That said, this kind of edible is typically more potent and the relief of the high lasts longer.
- Drinks: Beverages like tea, soda, and energy drinks can also be infused with marijuana.
- Cooking and baking oil: There are oils and butters infused with weed, like cannabutter, that are great for whipping up edibles in your own kitchen.
CBD vs. THC Edibles
When choosing weed edibles, it’s crucial to consider the product’s THC and CBD levels, as these determine whether you’ll experience psychoactive effects (THC) or primarily therapeutic benefits (CBD).
Edibles come in various THC and CBD combinations, catering to each patient’s unique needs, including options with minor cannabinoids like CBG and CBN for diverse effects.
It’s important to note that all CBD edibles are derived from hemp and typically contain high levels of cannabidiol (CBD) with trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In contrast, THC edibles, which can be derived from either hemp or marijuana, have a higher concentration of THC.
To understand more about how to dose THC edibles, check out our go-to edible dosing guide.
What is the Difference Between Edibles and Flower?
Flower, or traditional weed, is an herb that must be heated and inhaled (smoked) upon consumption. Unlike smoking or vaporizing plant material, edibles just need to be chewed and digested.
Smoking marijuana flowers produces almost instant effects, while the effects of an edible take longer to kick in (approximately 30-90 minutes). The effects of an edible also tend to last longer than smoking a flower, giving patients extended relief.
Edibles, on the other hand, deliver cannabinoids to the body through the digestive system, where they are metabolized in the stomach and liver. When you smoke cannabis flower, the cannabinoids are absorbed through the lungs and go directly into your bloodstream.
When the liver metabolizes delta-9 THC upon digesting an edible, it becomes 11-hydroxy-THC. This creates a different and stronger effect than inhaling flowers containing traditional delta-9 THC.
Which One is Right For You?
To sum it all up, let’s take a look at this table to help you decide what’s right for your wellness journey:
| Aspect | Edibles | Traditional Flower (Cannabis) |
| Consumption Method | Chewed and digested | Heated and inhaled (smoked) |
| Onset of Effects | Slower (approximately 30-90 minutes) | Almost instant |
| Duration of Effects | Tend to last longer, providing extended relief | Shorter duration |
| Absorption Process | Through the digestive system; metabolized in the stomach and liver | Absorbed through the lungs and go directly into the bloodstream |
| Metabolic Process | Delta-9 THC becomes 11-hydroxy-THC in the liver, creating a different and stronger effect | Inhales traditional delta-9 THC directly into the bloodstream |
Elevate Your High with an Ohio Medical Card
To properly dive into your cannabis journey in Ohio, you’ll need an Ohio medical card. Elevate Holistics is here to help!
We offer a fully online, secure way to get your medical marijuana card. It’s simple: choose a date and time for an online doctor’s appointment, and we’ll help you the rest of the way.
Our quick and straightforward process keeps patients informed throughout each step of the MMJ application. Need extra assistance along the way? The Elevate team is available to answer any questions. Book an appointment with Elevate Holistics to get your MMJ card today.
