Deciding to grow your own cannabis is an incredibly freeing activity, but you need to know whether marijuana seeds are legal in Ohio before growing in the state. 

Growing weed doesn’t just alleviate some of the costs you incur as a user; it also teaches you more about this miracle herb. Unfortunately, making this decision isn’t straightforward and requires a solid understanding of the laws in your state.

In this guide, we start by finding out if marijuana seeds are legal in Ohio. We’ll take a look at the state’s climate and discuss the best methods you can use for growing potent cannabis seeds. Let’s dive right in.

Is it legal to buy and grow cannabis seeds in Ohio?

Is weed legal in Ohio? As it currently stands, it’s illegal to grow or buy marijuana seeds in Ohio as a recreational user. The Buckeye State has made efforts to correct its view on cannabis, charging those caught with a misdemeanor rather than a criminal offense.    

If you’re found with up to 3.5 ounces, you’ll receive a fine of $150. First-time offenses don’t receive any jail time, making this state far more lenient than others in the US. 

What’s even more promising is that some cities such as Cincinnati and Dayton have removed the financial charges altogether.  

Sadly, the current cannabis laws in Ohio make no effort to encourage cultivators in the weed industry. Growing at both a commercial or private level isn’t permitted, placing enthusiastic weed farmers at risk.

There is, however, a silver lining. Since 2016, medical marijuana seeds are legal in Ohio, thanks to the HB523 bill passed by Gov. John Kasich. 

The legislation allows for patients diagnosed with a terminal illness to register for a medical card.

Before you can apply, you’ll need to provide a prescription from an approved physician. Patients under the age of 18 will need a parent or caretaker to register on their behalf. 

Currently, the state now gives you the chance to apply for a card online. There’s a one-time fee of $200 followed by an annual charge of $50 to stay valid.   

There are regulated dispensaries and seed banks in Ohio where you can purchase your medication. You’ll need to present your card for every purchase at one of these stores.      

You can either buy a “whole day unit” or a “90-day supply” of medical cannabis. These amounts depend on the type of marijuana you purchase as well as the THC levels. 

Furthermore, visitors holding an out-of-state card aren’t permitted to get products from Ohio dispensaries. 

 

It’s important to remember that while medical marijuana seeds are legal in Ohio, you can’t smoke in public. It’s also illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis regardless of your health status. 

If you’re found guilty of a DUI, you’ll receive a fine of up to $1075, plus a suspended license for six months. The punishment for this action increases if you’re caught a second or third time. 

Another vital aspect to understand is that you can lose your job, even if you hold a medical marijuana card. It’s clear that although Ohio has made steps in the right direction, it still has a lot of work before cannabis users can feel safe.

Should you grow weed indoors or outdoors in Ohio?

Due to the status of growing cannabis in Ohio, we recommend waiting for it to change its laws before embarking on your cultivation adventure. 

To prepare you for such a time, we investigate the best method to grow the weed of your dreams in the Buckeye State.

Before you order marijuana seeds in Ohio, you’ll need to decide whether you want to go with an outdoor or indoor setup. Doing this will help you plan your weed growing schedule and get all the necessary equipment.

Cleveland, Ohio, USA skyline on the river.

Many beginners opt for an outdoor crop as they believe it’s much easier and requires less effort. This is incorrect as both methods require constant attention and care. Instead, you should take into account your expectations and what resources you have available.

Below, we look at both techniques, describing what you stand to gain and the steps they require for success.

How to make the most of the climate conditions for growing

Outdoor Growing

As Ohio is located in the Midwest, the climate favors growing cannabis seeds outdoors. The area receives a range of weather conditions, from the sweltering heat in summer to the cold and snow in winter.

The Spring and Autumn seasons are relatively short in Ohio compared to other states, making autoflower seeds the recommended choice. This isn’t to say regular types wouldn’t work, especially when so many different crops thrive in the state.

Regardless of what cannabis seed variant you choose, we recommend sowing them in the first week of April. That way, you can ensure your weed plants receive enough sunlight for every stage of their growth.

Marijuana seeds in Ohio will reach their maximum height by mid-June, making use of the longer days to grow strong. If you decide to use the autoflower option, you can prepare to harvest your crop in August. Otherwise, you should aim to collect your bud in October.

With your calendar mapped out, it’s time to figure out where you’ll grow. The key to a bountiful crop outdoors is space and sunlight. You’ll want to locate an area that receives sun for at least 13 hours a day. It’s also vital that there’s no overhanging trees or bushes that block out those rays. 

Outdoor marijuana plants can get very tall in the right spot, and while this means a large yield, it also means you’ll need a lot of space. It’s also recommended to have enough room to erect structures to support the heavy colas in the flowering stage.

The soil quality in this region is excellent for cannabis plants as it retains moisture very well. What’s more, the water’s pH balance is relatively neutral, making it fantastic for plants. You should still test both, regardless of this fact, to remedy any deficiencies before they can occur.

Indoor Growing

The alternative to growing outdoors is rearing your crops in a grow room or greenhouse. This method has gained a lot of popularity around the world due to the potent cannabis it delivers. 

Indoor growing gives you complete control over the elements allowing you to set the temperature and humidity in the area. You also have power over the amount of light and water your weed plants receive.

The result of having this control is cannabis that’s high in THC. Some of the most potent weed in the world owes its astronomical trichome count to indoor growing. On top of that, cultivators can raise these legendary strains all year round.

Another benefit of this technique is the ability to produce marijuana seeds discreetly. While some may use it to avoid the law, others prefer this method as it removes the risk of another individual stealing your hard-earned crop. 

Growing indoor marijuana seeds in Ohio gives you the option to use a soilless medium. Options like coco coir or entire hydroponic systems remove the worry of pests and increase oxygen retention for more robust roots.

There are, at the same time, some downsides to this method. The largest of these is the expensive equipment needed to get started. It also increases the cost of your utility bill every month and generally leads to lower yields because of the limited space.

Best strains to grow in Ohio

As soon as marijuana seeds are legal in Ohio, we suggest focusing your attention on buying early-harvest hybrid weed strains. These autoflower options will grow much faster than feminized seeds, making those shorter seasons less of a worry.

What’s more, you’ll find indica leaning breeds more favorable because of their big leaves, perfect for catching the sunlight. We suggest starting off by buying something like White Widow x AK47 seeds.

Where to buy cannabis seeds in Ohio

As we’ve mentioned earlier, purchasing cannabis seeds in Ohio is illegal. There are registered dispensaries in the state, but they only cater to patients with valid medical marijuana cards. 

Unless you want to find yourself outside the law, we suggest that you buy marijuana seeds in Ohio online. 

The i49 Seed Bank has a massive selection of strains to fit any environment. Plus, you’ll receive assistance if you need it for every stage of your cannabis plant’s cycle.