Can you get an Ohio medical marijuana card by telehealth? What the law says

Yes. Since 23 March 2022, Ohio law has let a physician examine a patient for a medical marijuana recommendation either in person or through the use of telehealth services. Here is what that means in practice.

What the law requires

Ohio Revised Code 4731.30 says a physician may recommend medical marijuana only when there is a real physician–patient relationship. That relationship needs three things:

• an examination of the patient, in person or by telehealth
• a review of the patient’s medical history
• an expectation of ongoing care

The physician must also hold a Certificate to Recommend from the State Medical Board of Ohio, and must review at least 12 months of the patient’s record in Ohio’s prescription monitoring database before recommending.

Telehealth is held to the same standard

Ohio’s telehealth law (Revised Code 4743.09) says care by telehealth must meet the same standard of care as an in-person visit. A physician can also decide that an in-person visit is needed.

What this means for your visit

• You can do the whole evaluation by video from anywhere in Ohio.
• Have your photo ID, a list of your medicines and any medical records ready.
• Your physician still decides whether you qualify. Telehealth changes where the visit happens, not the rules.

The Division of Cannabis Control’s own guidance says the same: you need “an in-person or telemedicine visit at least once a year.” How our visits work