Ohio Medical Cannabis Caregiver Registration

Last verified: March 2026

What Is a Caregiver?

A caregiver is a person registered with the Division of Cannabis Control (DCC) to purchase, transport, and administer medical cannabis on behalf of a registered patient. Caregivers are particularly important for:

• Minor patients (under 21) who cannot enter dispensaries themselves
• Homebound patients with mobility or transportation limitations
• Elderly patients who need assistance navigating the dispensary system
• Patients with cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer's or TBI

Caregivers receive their own registration through the DCC and can purchase medical cannabis at any licensed dispensary on behalf of their designated patients.

Ohio's Caregiver Limits

Ohio's caregiver system operates on a simple ratio:

This 2-and-2 structure is more restrictive than some states (Massachusetts allows up to 5 patients per caregiver), but it reflects Ohio's focus on personal, one-to-one caregiving relationships rather than quasi-professional caregiver services.

Minor Patient Rules

Patients under 21 can access Ohio's medical marijuana program, but only through a caregiver. The rules for minor patients are straightforward:

• The caregiver must be the minor's parent or legal guardian
• The parent/guardian registers as the caregiver through the DCC patient portal
• The caregiver handles all dispensary purchases on the minor's behalf
• The minor patient still needs a qualifying condition and a CTR physician recommendation

This pathway is particularly important for pediatric epilepsy patients and minors with cancer or other serious conditions where cannabis therapy has demonstrated clinical benefit.

How to Register as a Caregiver

1. Patient designates you: The registered patient (or parent/guardian for minors) must add you as a caregiver through the Patient and Caregiver Registry at com.ohio.gov
2. Complete caregiver registration: Register through the same DCC portal with your Ohio ID and proof of residency
3. Pay the registration fee: Caregiver registration is $0.01 (same penny fee as patient registration)
4. Download your caregiver card: Once approved, download your card and begin purchasing on behalf of your designated patients

Caregiver Responsibilities

• Carry your caregiver card: Always have your registration when purchasing or transporting medical cannabis for a patient
• Purchase only for designated patients: You may only obtain cannabis for patients who have formally designated you through the DCC system
• Respect possession limits: Medical patients may possess up to 9 ounces (90-day supply). Cannabis you carry on a patient's behalf counts toward that patient's allotment
• No diversion: Using or selling a patient's medical cannabis for personal use or to third parties is a criminal offense
• Maintain current registration: If a patient's card expires, your authorization to purchase on their behalf also lapses

The Tax Advantage Extends to Caregiver Purchases

All purchases made by a caregiver on behalf of a medical patient are exempt from the 10% excise tax, the same as if the patient purchased directly. Caregivers pay only standard Ohio sales tax (~6.25–8%) on their patients' behalf, compared to the 16–18% total that recreational buyers pay.