By the end of this week, licensed recreational marijuana sales are expected to begin for the first time in Ohio history.
On Friday, Ohio’s Division of Cannabis Control granted over 60 provisional dual licenses for dispensaries, cultivators, processors, and testing labs, just two weeks after the application process began. 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, these provisional license are expected to be finalized this week, with sales beginning as soon as Wednesday.
Recreational marijuana possession and cultivation became legal in December after voters approved Issue 2 in November. Under this new law, individuals 21 and older can 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 allowed to cultivate up to six marijuana plants at a private residence for personal use.
Issue 2 assigns the Division of Cannabis Control the responsibility of licensing and regulating the new marijuana industry. The law authorizes the agency to issue up to 350 marijuana business licenses, with a minimum of 50 required. Marijuana will be taxed at 10%, though a bill approved by the Senate yesterday would raise this to 15%.
As soon as dispensaries receive state approval, they will be authorized to begin recreational marijuana sales, provided they are prepared.
Standalone recreational marijuana stores aren’t expected to open until sometime in 2025.
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