Licensed recreational marijuana sales will begin for the first time in Ohio history before the end of June, possibly as soon as next week.
On Friday, Ohio’s Division of Cannabis Control began accepting applications from currently operating medical marijuana dispensaries seeking licenses to participate in the state’s recreational marijuana industry. This would allow them to sell marijuana and marijuana products to patients, as well as to anyone 21 and older.
According to State Representative Jamie Callender (R-Concord), Chair of the Joint Committee On Agency Rule Review, which is the rulemaking committee for Ohio’s Department of Cannabis Control, licenses are expected to be approved, and sales are expected to begin, by the end of June, possibly as soon as next week.
Recreational marijuana possession and cultivation became legal in December after voters approved Issue 2 the month prior. Under the new law, individuals 21 and older are allowed to legally possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and up to 15 grams of marijuana concentrates (such as wax, oil, and hash). They are also permitted to cultivate up to six marijuana plants at a private residence for personal use.
Issue 2 tasks the Division of Cannabis Control with handling the licensing and regulations for the new marijuana industry. The law mandates the agency to issue up to 350 marijuana business licenses, with a requirement to issue at least 50. Marijuana will be taxed at 10%, although a bill approved by the Senate yesterday would increase this to 15%.
While standalone recreational marijuana stores will not open until sometime in 2025, regulators recently approved rules allowing sales to begin via licensed dispensaries months sooner.
For a look at the 10 states next in line to legalize marijuana, click here.
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