Ohio Medical Cannabis Patients Report Lower Satisfaction After Recreational Market Launch

Ohio's medical marijuana patients are feeling the burn after the state launched its recreational market. A new survey from Ohio State University shows satisfaction with the medical program plummeted from 74% to 56% over the last year. It’s not just vibes, either—active patient numbers dropped by 43% as folks likely ditched the red tape of medical cards for the ease of adult-use. Adding to the frustration, medical prices jumped to $7.42 per gram, while neighbors in Michigan are enjoying recreational flower for a fraction of the cost at just $2.52.

This shift is a wake-up call for the industry and advocates alike. For regular tokers, it highlights a common growing pain: when recreational sales go live, medical patients—who paved the way for legalization—often face higher costs and less attention. Maintaining a robust medical program is vital because it provides a legitimate, therapeutic identity for those using the plant as medicine. If Ohio wants to keep its patients happy, it needs to address these price gaps and prioritize the community that started it all.