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As a result of the coronavirus and stay-at-home orders, regulatory agencies have been affected, but it has not been negative. In the Governor’s stay-at-home order, the medical marijuana industry is an essential business. This caused other changes, which regulatory agencies say are temporary. These changes include:

– The State Medical Board of Ohio no longer requires physicians to see a patient in person to recommend medical marijuana. This can now be done through telemedicine. Physicians must continue to keep records in accordance with the Medical Board’s rules.

– The Ohio Board of Pharmacy now allows dispensaries to accept expired identification. In addition, a patient or caregiver can telephone a medical marijuana dispensary and place an order for the sale of medical marijuana. The medical marijuana sale can occur outside of dispensaries. This includes delivering to a person in the parking lot of a dispensary, at the front entrance of a dispensary, or in person at a walk up or drive thru window.

– The dispensary must ensure the transaction occurs on its property. No deliveries are allowed. Cash must immediately be brought into the dispensary. Security must be present for outdoor sales. The purchase of the product must take place under coverage of one of the required security cameras.

All medical marijuana purchases must take place in a dispensary licensed by the Board of Pharmacy. On April 9, 2020, the Toledo Blade reported that investigators seized more than $200,000.00 worth of suspected marijuana products along with cash and a handgun at an East Toledo business believed to be illegally dispensing marijuana. There was more than 150 pounds of suspected marijuana and marijuana based products. Over $7,000.00 in cash, drug paraphernalia, drug packaging items, a handgun, a vehicle, and miscellaneous paperwork. Purchasing marijuana from any place other than a licensed dispensary is illegal. A business illegally dispensing marijuana is trafficking and may face stiff criminal charges.

If you have any questions about Medical Marijuana in Ohio, or any regulatory agencies, you should consider contacting an attorney at Graff & McGovern. John Izzo of Graff & McGovern can be reached at 614-228-5800, extension 5.