As part of its coronavirus response, the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program (MMCP) has issued new guidance to help patients maintain access to medical cannabis.

Medical cannabis dispensaries are considered essential and can remain open under the state’s March 22 stay at home order.

The Ohio Board of Pharmacy has announced a temporary expansion of caregiver registration to allow patients to have up to three caregivers. Patients can add a caregiver by submitting an application directly to the Board of Pharmacy.

Due to the closure of Ohio’s BMV locations, the Board of Pharmacy has also adopted new photo identification requirements that allow patients to use an expired method of identification under certain conditions to purchase medical cannabis. Minor patients under the age of 18 may use a birth certificate as an acceptable form of identification.

In addition, the Board of Pharmacy will now allow patients and caregivers to place phone orders with the state’s medical cannabis dispensaries in an effort to protect patients, caregivers and dispensary employees.

Dispensaries are required to take steps to maintain clean and sanitary conditions for patients, including designating six-foot distances, providing hand sanitizer for employees and patients, and implementing separate operating hours for vulnerable populations.

Physicians are permitted to use telemedicine to replace in-person visits with patients to make medical cannabis recommendations and renewals.

Ohio joins other states, such as Pennsylvania, in making temporary changes to medical cannabis regulations in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

LOS ANGELES, March 27, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PRESS RELEASE -- Hightimes Holding Corp., the owner of High Times, has announced the signing of an LOI to acquire the California-based cannabis holding company Humboldt Heritage Inc. and its subsidiaries Humboldt Sun Growers Guild and Grateful Eight LLC.

This announcement comes just before the culmination of High Times Regulation A+ campaign, which has recruited over 26,000 shareholders before listing on the public markets.

This acquisition provides High Times with cannabis growing, processing and product manufacturing capabilities direct from the most coveted cannabis community in the world, Humboldt County. Coupled with High Times' recent retail acquisitions, the resulting company will become one of the state’s largest vertically-integrated operators, and provide exclusive access to 18 unique Northern California-based brands including True Humboldt and leading cannagar producer Cuba Libre.

“High Times mission is to connect consumers to cannabis--not only the best access and experience, but by making the best products available to our consumers across the country, and eventually the world,” Adam Levin, Hightimes Holding Corp.’s executive chairman, said. “This addition adds 200+ of the best cannabis-producing farms in the world, and the rest of the capabilities we’ll need to grow into the future as a larger High Times family!”

"This allows our cultivators' and their artisan brands unprecedented exposure to consumers as High Times reaches millions of people all over the world. The farmers in Humboldt Country have been leading parallel missions to High Times over the past 45 years," said Barry Nachshon, CEO of Humboldt Heritage Inc. "Knowing that we will be part of the High Times family, as well as a key manufacturing and supply chain partner as the company enters the retail and delivery markets in California is very exciting for our team."

With relentless dedication to providing patients with high-quality products, personalized service and deep education, Herbology fosters an approachable community environment committed to the cannabis lifestyle. Herbologists, who go through extensive training and certification, share their knowledge of the cannabis plant and the science behind the products with the patients. Herbology is committed to working within the community to offer a unique, wellness and education-focused experience that includes events, support groups and education seminars.

“At Herbology, we are committed to educating our patients on the benefits of cannabis, providing high-quality and innovative products and creating an in-dispensary experience that is inclusive and welcoming to people from all walks of life,” says Talley Wettlaufer, Vice President and Head of Retail.