Adult-use cannabis sales in Ohio begin today

The launch of Ohio’s adult-use cannabis market, long-awaited, is scheduled to take place today (August 6), the Division of Cannabis Control (DCC) of the government is preparing to issue its first batch of dual licenses for clinics.

After voting in favor of legalizing cannabis for adults last November, the DCC has focused primarily on issuing licenses to growers, processors, and testing laboratories, which means that Ohio residents still have not been able to purchase cannabis commercially through a dispensary.

In order to accelerate the transition to the adult-use market, the DCC has decided to issue «dual licenses,» or «certificates of operation» (COO), which allow existing medical cannabis businesses to begin selling cannabis commercially.

On Monday, the Ohio Cannabis Control Division confirmed that 98 dispensaries would receive operating licenses and be authorized to sell products for recreational use on Tuesday.

It is understood that three Trulieve dispensaries in Beavercreek, Columbus, and Westerville; three Ohio Cannabis Company stores in Piqua; Harpster, and Canton; two Sunnyside stores in Cincinnati and Wintersville; five Cannabis Company stores in Dayton, Logan, Marietta, Monroe, and Warren; and three additional Verilife stores in Cincinnati, Hillsboro, and Wapakoneta are expected to open this week.

About 230 applications for dual licenses have been submitted to the DCC so far, 155 of which have already received «provisional» approval. The regulator must approve or deny all license applications by September 7.

The president of the’Ohio Cannabis Coalition (OHCANN) spokesperson Tom Haren said in a statement on Friday: «Today, the Ohio Cannabis Coalition (OHCANN) is delighted to announce that the sale of marijuana for non-medical purposes will begin next Tuesday in Ohio.»

«I cannot emphasize enough the work done by the members of OHCANN and the DCC to bring us to this point. We are entering a new era for Ohio, where citizens will have access to safe products and communities will reap the benefits of this rapidly growing industry through tax revenue and job opportunities.»

When the Voters approved Question 2, they legalized the use and possession of cannabis for recreational purposes. The wording of the initiative also set a limit on legal possession at 2.5 ounces (70 grams) of recreational cannabis. This limit could also serve to cap the amount a customer would be allowed to purchase at dispensaries on Tuesday, since selling any amount greater than 2.5 ounces would mean the buyer now possesses an illegal amount.

The Medical cannabis is legal in Ohio since 2016.