Meet with an Ohio physician certified to recommend medical marijuana, in person or by telehealth. If you qualify, state registration is free for you and any caregiver you name.
Ohio's patient registry is run by the Division of Cannabis Control, and your physician starts the paperwork.
An Ohio MD or DO with a Certificate to Recommend examines you in person or by telehealth and confirms a qualifying condition.
Once your physician files the recommendation, the state emails you a link to complete your registration — at no cost.
Use your registration at any licensed Ohio dispensary, and renew each year with your physician.
Ohio lets registered caregivers buy and transport medical marijuana for a patient who can't easily get to a dispensary. Here's how it works.
Caregivers must be at least 21 and register with the state through the patient's recommending physician.
A patient can have up to two registered caregivers, such as a spouse and an adult child.
Patients under 18 need a parent or legal guardian registered as their caregiver.
Ohio eliminated its patient and caregiver registration fees in 2024.
A few practical details make the first visit quick.
A valid photo ID plus your active Ohio patient registration, on paper or your phone.
First medical visits include extra check-in steps, so avoid showing up right before closing.
Many Ohio dispensaries take cash or debit rather than credit. Check with the store first.
Transport products in their original packaging, out of reach while driving.
Payment options and hours vary by dispensary — confirm before you go.
Ohio uses a fixed list approved by the State Medical Board. A certified physician must confirm one of these.
The list can change as the Board reviews petitions. Confirm with the State Medical Board of Ohio.
“My daughter is my caregiver now, so she picks things up when my MS flares. Setting her up cost nothing.”
— Janet L., Kettering“The telehealth exam was thorough. The physician reviewed my migraine history before recommending anything.”
— Chris P., Oakwood“Registration was free and done in minutes once I got the email.”
— Ray S., CentervilleYes. Ohio lets a certified physician establish the physician-patient relationship through an exam in person or by telehealth.
Only Ohio MDs and DOs holding an active Certificate to Recommend from the State Medical Board.
No. Ohio eliminated its $50 patient registration fee in 2024. Your physician's evaluation fee is separate.
Since March 2026, patients remain exempt from the 10% adult-use tax, keep access to higher-potency edibles, and are the only group authorized for home delivery once rules are final.
Yes. Ohio's program is for residents, and you'll need Ohio identification.
From the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control.
Kettering doesn't currently have a dispensary inside city limits, but several licensed stores operate a short drive north in Dayton.
Your Ohio registration works at any licensed dispensary statewide — show it at checkout to skip the 10% adult-use tax.
Kettering's central park surrounds the Fraze Pavilion, with walking paths and open lawns for easy outings between summer concerts.
Kettering takes its name from Charles F. Kettering, the Dayton inventor best known for the electric self-starter. Today it's one of the largest suburbs in the Dayton area, home to Kettering Health's headquarters, the Fraze Pavilion outdoor concert venue, and Lincoln Park Civic Commons. Kettering residents follow the same statewide medical marijuana process as all Ohioans.
Chapter 3796 of the Ohio Revised Code governs medical marijuana and, since SB 56 took effect in March 2026, adult-use too. The Division of Cannabis Control runs the patient and caregiver registry, and the State Medical Board certifies recommending physicians.
Tax exemption, eligibility at 18, caregiver support, and higher-potency options keep the medical program valuable. For updates, visit the Division of Cannabis Control.
Appointments with Ohio physicians certified to recommend.