A joint committee in the Ohio Legislature has given approval to rules that will allow legal recreational marijuana sales to begin next month, much sooner than initially planned.
The Joint Committee On Agency Rule Review (JCARR) gave final approval today to regulatory changes that allows the Division of Cannabis Control (DCC) to begin issuing dual licenses next month that would allow currently operating medical marijuana dispensaries to also sell to recreational consumers (aka anyone 21 and older).
Under the approved rules, dual license applications must be open and public by June 7.
State Representative Jamie Callender (R), who is vice chair of the JCARR, thanked the DCC “for doing this timely and to help move forward the will of the voters”, noting that “we look forward to watching these rules go into effect in a couple of weeks.”
Last month the chair of the rulemaking committee for Ohio’s Department of Cannabis Control predicted this move, saying that recreational marijuana sales may begin as soon as June, and will happen “certainly before July 4th weekend”.
Under Issue 2, which was approved by voters last year 57% to 43%, those 21 and older are allowed to legally possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and up to 15 grams of marijuana concentrates. They are also allowed to cultivate up to six marijuana plants at a private residence, for personal use. The Division of Cannabis Control is responsible for licensing and regulating the new marijuana industry. The agency can issue up to 350 marijuana business licenses and is required to issue at least 50.
