Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCES

For more information on the state’s efforts to address coronavirus, visit www.coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

MMCP STAFFING

In an effort to help contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program staff will be working remotely until further notice. MMCP staff will be conducting business as usual; however, responses may take a longer than normal. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this public health event.

GUIDANCE FOR PATIENTS & CAREGIVERS

ODH COVID-19 GUIDANCE

Those most at risk for COVID-19 are older adults and those with serious chronic medical conditions. To help patients and caregivers during this time, the Ohio Department of Health has developed dedicated resources to assist families and individuals. These resources may be accessed here.

SALES TO PATIENTS AND CAREGIVERS OUTSIDE THE DISPENSARY DEPARTMENT (“CURBSIDE PICKUP”)

In order to reduce opportunities for patient and caregiver exposure during the COVID-19 outbreak, the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy has adopted a resolution to permit medical marijuana dispensaries to temporarily conduct sales to patients and caregivers outside of the dispensary department. More information on this resolution can be accessed here.

ACCEPTING PHONE AND ONLINE ORDERS FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA

In an effort to further protect patients, caregivers, and dispensary employees during a public health emergency, the Board now permits a patient/caregiver to telephone a medical marijuana dispensary or place an online order for the sale of medical marijuana. This guidance can be accessed here.

GUIDANCE FOR DISPENSARIES

On May 17, 2021, the Ohio Department of Health amended its remaining health order to conform to the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, which allows those who have been vaccinated to stop wearing masks. Under the CDC's new guidance, those who have not been vaccinated should still wear a mask and socially distance. For more information, click here.

GUIDANCE FOR CTR PHYSICIANS

Ohio Administrative Code 4731-32-03 and Ohio Revised Code 4731.30 require an in-person visit to make an initial recommendation and an in-person examination at least once a year.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Medical Board suspended enforcement of regulations that required in-person visits, until the expiration of Executive Order 2020-01D. This allowed the use of telemedicine in situations that previously required in-person visits, including for physicians with a CTR to use telemedicine for initial visits and renewals.

In June, the Board voted to resume enforcement of the regulation on September 17, 2021, three months after the lifting of the state declaration of emergency. However, on August 11 the Board voted to extend the suspension of regulation for in-person visits until December 31, 2021, to ensure accessibility and safety for patients during this time.

The Medical Board approved telemedicine FAQs that provide guidance on telemedicine in Ohio and the Medical Board’s resumption of enforcement. Click here to view the FAQs.

Programs