COLUMBUS, Ohio — Recreational marijuana sales will begin across Ohio on Tuesday when the state issues its first operating certificates.
Nearly 100 medical marijuana dispensaries will be able to begin sales immediately, although it’s not clear how many will be ready to open, the Division of Cannabis Control said Monday.
Many will be ready right away while others could be delayed by staffing or inventory issues.
The first round of operation certificates will go to 98 locations, according to the Division of Cannabis Control.
Ohio voters last November overwhelmingly approved allowing those over 21 to possess, purchase and grow limited amounts of cannabis for personal use. But recreational sales remained on hold while the state set up a regulated system for legal marijuana purchases and worked out other rules.
The new law allows adults 21 and over to buy and possess up to 2.5 ounces (70 grams) of cannabis and to grow up to six plants per individual or 12 plants per household at home.
Legal marijuana purchases will be subject to a 10% tax, with the revenue to be divided between administrative costs, addiction treatment, municipalities with dispensaries, and paying for social equity and jobs programs supporting the cannabis industry itself.
On Tuesday, nearly 100 locations in Ohio will begin selling recreational marijuana, marking a significant milestone in the state’s cannabis industry. This move comes after years of debate and legislation surrounding the legalization of recreational marijuana in Ohio.
The decision to allow recreational marijuana sales in the state was made possible by the passage of House Bill 523 in 2016, which legalized medical marijuana in Ohio. Since then, the state has been working to expand its cannabis industry to include recreational use.
The nearly 100 locations that will begin selling recreational marijuana on Tuesday are a mix of dispensaries, retail stores, and cultivation facilities. These locations have been approved by the Ohio Department of Commerce and are now able to sell marijuana products to adults aged 21 and older.
Customers can expect to find a variety of products available for purchase, including flower, edibles, concentrates, and more. Prices will vary depending on the product and location, but customers can expect to pay around $50-$60 for an eighth of an ounce of flower.
In order to purchase recreational marijuana in Ohio, customers will need to show a valid ID proving they are 21 or older. It is important to note that consuming marijuana in public places is still illegal in Ohio, and driving under the influence of marijuana is also prohibited.
While the legalization of recreational marijuana in Ohio is a significant step forward for the state’s cannabis industry, there are still some restrictions in place. For example, individuals are limited to purchasing up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana per day, and smoking marijuana in public places is not allowed.
Overall, the introduction of recreational marijuana sales in Ohio is expected to have a positive impact on the state’s economy and provide new opportunities for businesses in the cannabis industry. It will also give adults in Ohio the freedom to legally purchase and consume marijuana for recreational purposes.
As Ohio joins the growing number of states that have legalized recreational marijuana, it will be interesting to see how the industry evolves and how it impacts the state’s economy and society as a whole.
