Ohio is on the verge of a significant milestone. According to multiple state news outlets, on Tuesday, August 6th, the state will officially launch recreational cannabis sales, making it the 21st state in the nation to do so.
The road to recreational cannabis sales in Ohio has been both exciting and challenging. In November 2023, Ohioans voted to legalize marijuana for adults 21 and older. The passing of Issue 2 paved the way for the Division of Cannabis Control (DCC), part of the Ohio Department of Commerce, to set policies and oversee the rollout.
Despite the initial uncertainty, the DCC has been ahead of schedule, working to ensure a smooth transition from medical to recreational sales. Tom Haren, spokesperson for the Ohio Cannabis Coalition (OHCANN), acknowledged the hard work of the DCC staff and OHCANN members in making this possible. “We are easily three or four months ahead of schedule,” he said.
Today OHCANN is excited to announce sales of non-medical marijuana will begin as early as next Tuesday in Ohio! The dual-use market will allow millions of Ohioans twenty-one years of age or older the freedom to purchase non-medical marijuana products. pic.twitter.com/nRdHeEIn5B
— OHCANN (@ohcanncoalition) August 2, 2024
Provisional Licenses and Certificates of Operation
Since July, the DCC has granted provisional licenses to over 100 dispensaries across the state. These licenses are crucial as they allow dispensaries to start preparing for recreational sales. However, these businesses must meet several requirements to receive their certificates of operation. This includes a test to ensure they can properly distinguish and sell both medical and adult-use products.
To ensure a steady supply of cannabis products ready for opening day, the state has already greenlit cultivators, processors, and testing labs to ensure a steady supply of cannabis products ready for opening day
The next phase of license approvals will focus on new, recreational-only dispensaries. These establishments will further expand access to cannabis products across the state. By increasing the number of dispensaries, Ohio aims to meet the growing demand and provide convenience for consumers.
The DCC has rolled out the program quickly but with a continued emphasis on consumer safety and protection. Haren believes that Ohio’s well-regulated adult-use program will serve as a model for other states. The focus on safety ensures that consumers receive quality products that meet strict standards.
Some of the dispensaries that plan to launch adult-use sales Tuesday via The Columbus Dispatch:
- Sunnyside in Cincinnati, Chillicothe, Marion and Wintersville.
- Ohio Cannabis Company in Canton, Piqua and Harpster.
- The Citizen by Klutch in Lorain and Canton.
- The Botanist in Columbus, Akron, Cleveland, Canton and Wickliffe.
- Amplify in Columbus, Bedford and Cleveland Heights.
- Zen Leaf in Cincinnati, Dayton, Canton and Bowling Green.
- Supergood in Ravenna.
- Bloom in Columbus and Painesville Township.
- Uplift in Milford and Mount Orab.
- Nar Reserve in Columbus.
- Curaleaf in Newark.
- Terrasana in Columbus, Fremont, Springfield and Garfield Heights.
- Ayr in Dayton, Goshen and Woodmere.
- gLeaf in Warren.
- Columbia Care in Dayton, Logan, Marietta and Monroe.
- Nectar in Cincinnati, Euclid and Bowling Green.
- Trulieve in Columbus, Westerville and Beavercreek.
- Theory Wellness in Sherwood.
- The Landing in Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Huron and Monroe.
The Economic Impact Of Ohio Recreational Cannabis Sales
The introduction of recreational cannabis sales is expected to boost Ohio’s economy significantly. New dispensaries will create jobs, from budtenders to security personnel. Additionally, the demand for cultivators and processors will increase, providing more employment opportunities.
Recreational cannabis sales will also generate substantial tax revenue for the state, including a 10% excise tax on adult-use cannabis sales outlined in Issue 2 when passed. This tax is in addition to the state’s 5.75% sales tax. These funds can be used for public services, infrastructure projects, and educational programs. Various states have already seen the positive impact of cannabis tax revenue, and Ohio is likely to follow suit.
The journey toward recreational cannabis sales in Ohio has been a lengthy and meticulously planned process, marked by both challenges and achievements. After months of preparation and regulatory oversight, the state is poised to open its doors to adult-use sales tomorrow.
This development signifies a significant victory for the cannabis community, as it represents another crucial step forward in the normalization and acceptance of cannabis across the United States. With Ohio joining the ranks of states that offer legal recreational cannabis, the potential for positive societal change and economic growth is immense, benefiting both consumers and the industry alike.
