Ohio’s recreational marijuana market kicked off with a strong start, bringing in over $11.5 million in sales during the first week, according to data from the state’s Division of Cannabis Control released on Wednesday.
Dispensaries across Ohio moved 1,285 pounds of marijuana flower and sold 173,043 units of other cannabis products, including edibles and topicals, totaling $11,530,708 in revenue during the first four days of legal sales. Additionally, medical marijuana sales added $8.3 million to the state’s cannabis market, bringing the total over the four-day period to nearly $20 million.
The average price for an ounce of marijuana flower spiked by approximately 20%, reaching $266 last week, compared to $222 the previous week, reflecting the demand surge as recreational sales began.
On August 6, the state authorized 98 dispensaries to sell both medical and recreational cannabis under new dual-use certificates, with an additional 18 dispensaries obtaining their certificates by Thursday.
Ohio’s initial sales figures stand strong when compared to other states’ early experiences with recreational cannabis. For example, in Illinois, recreational cannabis sales hit nearly $11 million in the first week of legalization back in 2020.
Ohio’s recreational marijuana 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 among those 21 and older. 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. Stand-alone recreational marijuana stores are expected to open in the first half of 2025.
