Are you curious about the Ohio medical marijuana (MMJ) industry and all the moving parts within it? There are 5 key players in the MMJ industry including the doctors, cultivators, processing facilities, testing labs, and dispensaries. They are all working in a combined effort to help the patients of Ohio receive quality and effective medicine.
Cannabis flower: Dosidos 22 by Buckeye Relief (photo credit: Dr. Dank)
One of the greenhouses at Standard Wellness – Level 1 cultivator (photo credit: Dr. Dank)
Cultivators, also known as the cannabis farms, are located throughout the state of Ohio. Each of the licensed cultivators were approved through an application process within the Ohio MMCP. Level 1 cultivators are initially allotted to utilize 25,000 sq. ft. for growing medical marijuana. Standard Wellness, Grow Ohio, and Buckeye Relief fall into this category.
Tribal Delight by Grow Ohio (photo credit: Dr. Dank)
Level 2 cultivators are much smaller and initially given 3,000 sq. ft. to grow cannabis. Ohio Clean leaf, Ancient Roots, and Ascension are in the level 2 category. Cultivators can use different mediums to grow their plants in, numerous growing and curing techniques, and various packaging designs. Regardless of their process, all cultivators strive to provide the best medicine for Ohio’s patients.
Lemon Royal by Ohio Clean Leaf (photo credit: Dr. Dank)
CANNABIS GOES TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Processing facilities are located throughout Ohio. Processors utilize cannabis for extraction purposes to create products infused with THC and/or CBD. Products included edibles (gummies, candy, lozenge), capsules, tinctures, topicals, transdermal patches, wax, rosin, and oils to name a few.
(photo credit: Dr. Dank)
One of the approved extraction methods such as CO2 or a pressure machine is used to extract the terpenes and cannabinoids, including THC. Some cultivators have a processing facility while others do not. Those without a processing license can choose to sell their trimmings from the plants and excess cannabis flower to a processor to create products to sell in a local dispensary.
(photo credit: Dr. Dank)
MAKING THE GRADE
After the plants are harvested and cured (dried) and processed goods are created, they are picked up and taken to one of the testing facilities in Ohio. These licensed facilities are testing samples of each marijuana batch (strain specific) or processed goods for things like moisture, microbial contaminants, mycotoxin contaminants, heavy metals, pesticides, fertilizers, and cannabinoid and terpene content.
Cannabis flower drying at Standard Wellness (photo credit: Dr. Dank)
The batch will either pass or fail in a provided report known as a COA and from that point the cultivator can determine what to do with the cannabis. Sadly, all samples used for testing must be destroyed in accordance with Ohio’s laws.
Hand trimming flower at Ancient Roots (photo credit: Dr. Dank)
Curing tubes at Grow Ohio (photo credit: Dr. Dank)
DOCTOR RECOMMENDED
Most Ohio MMJ patients will only be exposed to the doctors and dispensaries. Prior to stepping one foot in a dispensary, you will need your medical marijuana recommendation from one of the approved doctors in the program such as one of our five certified physicians at Ohio Green Team.
Dr Drew of OGT, Head Physician (photo credit: Dr. Dank)
In addition, you will have to register online with the state and pay the appropriate fee of either $50 for patients or $25 for caregivers. Once registered you are legally allowed to enter a licensed dispensary and purchase cannabis products for personal use.
FINALLY, SHOPPING THAT IS EASY AND EXCITING
Each dispensary is set up slightly different, but the general process is the same. First time visits require minimal paperwork to be entered into the system presenting your Ohio medical marijuana card and legal identification such as a driver’s license. Dispensaries are staffed with budtenders, security, and often a pharmacist to answer any questions.
The Botanist located in Downtown Columbus (photo credit: Dr. Dank)
THE MORE YOU KNOW…
Flower is sold in increments of 2.83 grams or tenths of an ounce. Both flower and processed goods will deduct from the 90-day allotment of your script based on the amounts and tier level for flower. Typically, sniff jars are available so one can view and smell the flower prior to purchasing it. Dispensaries operate on a cash-only basis, and although most do, not all have ATMs inside so be sure to check online if they do. One can expect to pay an average of $30-42 per 2.83g of flower, $45 for edibles, and $70-85 for vape carts. Check out the dispensary menus online at DrDankOhio.com before you go and enjoy the experience.
Gummies, flower and chocolates (photo credit: Dr. Dank)
If you have questions regarding the medical marijuana program or would like to access dispensaries/purchase medicine, we’re here to help! Visit: Ohio Green Team for your recommendation or Dr. Dank for more industry insights.
#NoMorePills #YesWeCANnabis #OMMP #KillTheStigma
Cannabis Updates, News & Insights 