Ohio Residents Buying Medical Cannabis in Michigan

Eager to get their hands on medical cannabis, Ohio residents have been reportedly crossing the border and making purchases in Michigan.

According to The Washington Times, some medical dispensaries in Detroit are selling to Ohio residents, as long as they have been issued recommendations for medical cannabis. So far this is the only semi-legal option for medical patients in Ohio, since their medical system has yet to establish regulations or dispensaries to purchase their medicine.

However, despite having proof of recommendation from a doctor, Ohio residents could still be busted for possession of cannabis, due to the fact that it is technically still illegal in the state. Possession of 3.5 ounces is only a misdemeanor that carries a $150 fine in the state, but those caught with cannabis could have their licenses suspended. It’s also technically illegal to go across state lines with cannabis, but because it is only a misdemeanor in Ohio and medically legal in Michigan, many are taking the risk.

While all of this is helpful for getting medicine into the hands of patients and keeping people out of major legal trouble, it still leaves the medical system in Ohio incredibly disjointed, with no regulations or guidance. “They didn’t revisit the language to make sure patients were protected,” said Chris Lindsey, an attorney for the Marijuana Policy Project.

Still, the state isn’t holding back progress. In November, 18 cannabis cultivators were approved and given licenses for the state’s medical cannabis program. However, patients are forced to wait until dispensaries are allowed to operate, which isn’t until 2018. Cannabis possession in Ohio still technically remains illegal while the intricacies of buying and selling are worked out. The medical patient trips to Michigan certainly make it clear that medical cannabis is in high demand in the state, and the system should move more quickly to meet patient demand.