The Ohio Division of Cannabis Control has notified marijuana dispensaries that they will be able to start recreational marijuana sales on Tuesday, August 6.
“Right this second, the state is in process of authorizing some dispensaries to begin adult use sales on Aug. 6, which is several months ahead of schedule from where we thought the program would be at this time last year,” says Tom Haren, a spokesman for the Ohio Cannabis Coalition. “So we’re incredibly grateful to the hard work of the staff at the Division (of Cannabis Control) for moving this along quickly and being able to roll out quickly an adult-use schedule — while at the same time ensuring that they’re addressing consumer safety, so that we can provide Ohioans with a true alternative to the illicit market, and an opportunity to buy legal regulated, tested and taxed products.”
The beginning of recreational marijuana sales comes roughly eight months after voters in the state approved Issue 2 to legalize marijuana for those 21 and older.
The law, which officially took effect on December 7, allows for the possession of up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and up to 15 grams of marijuana concentrates. The measure created the Division of Cannabis Control, a branch of the Department of Commerce, which is tasked with handling the licensing and regulations for the new marijuana industry.
Starting August 6, medical marijuana dispensaries who obtain a dual-use license will be allowed to sell recreational marijuana. Stand-alone recreational marijuana stores are expected to open in the first half of 2025.
