Ohio Begins Adult-Use Cannabis Sales

Ohio has become the latest state in the US to legally purchase recreational cannabis. Today, after months of preparation and anticipation, nearly 100 dispensaries opened their doors to adult consumers aged 21 and over. This is a historic moment that adds Ohio to the list of states where recreational marijuana is legal.

The road to legalization in Ohio

The road to cannabis sales began last November when Ohioans overwhelmingly voted to legalize recreational marijuana , ending years of debate and controversy surrounding non-medical use.

The new law allows adults 21 and older to purchase and possess up to 2.5 ounces (about 70 grams) of marijuana and grow up to six plants for personal use. But it’s just the beginning of a path toward full legalization and regulation of the state’s cannabis market.

New rules and regulations

The new law introduces a number of provisions aimed at ensuring the safety and responsible use of marijuana. Ohio has a 10% tax on marijuana sales, which is to be used to cover administrative costs, addiction treatment programs, support for municipalities that have dispensaries in their areas, and programs supporting the development of the cannabis industry and social equality. Interestingly, the law also allows for support for educational and prevention programs aimed at reducing psychoactive substance abuse.

Preparations for the opening of the market in Ohio

As of today, approximately 98 stores across Ohio have received operating certificates to sell both medical and recreational marijuana. These include brands like Zen Leaf, Bloom Medicinals, and local initiatives like Queen City Cannabis.

These stores, prepared for months, have been waiting for this moment, carefully planning their assortment, training their staff and organizing logistics. Some of them, like Zen Leaf in Hartwell, are expecting a large influx of customers and are preparing for long lines from the early morning hours.

What can you buy and what are the limits?

The new law states that adults can purchase up to one ounce of dried plant material (~28 grams) at a time, ten units of vape oil (each containing a maximum of 590 mg of THC ), and ten packages of edibles with a total THC content of no more than 1,100 mg. All of these limits are cumulative, meaning that you can’t purchase the maximum amount of each product in a single transaction. The products available at first are primarily those that were available through the medical program, meaning that pre-rolls or concentrates with THC content greater than 70% won’t be available initially.

How to prepare for a visit to the store?

There are a few important things to keep in mind before you visit a store. First and foremost, you should bring a valid ID, as sales are only allowed to those 21 and older. Many stores only accept cash, a result of restrictions on the banking system related to the federal status of marijuana. As such, most stores have ATMs on site to make transactions easier. Some stores may also use mobile payment apps, such as Spendr.

Impact on neighboring states

The legalization of recreational marijuana in Ohio could have a significant impact on neighboring states like Indiana and Kentucky, where marijuana remains illegal. As a result, we can expect an influx of cannabis tourists to cross state lines to take advantage of the new offering. Medical marijuana is not scheduled to be available in Kentucky until 2025, making Ohio an attractive destination for residents of the state.

The Future of Ohio’s Cannabis Market

Looking ahead, the Ohio cannabis market has a lot of potential to grow. Over time, it is expected that the product offerings will expand and regulations will adapt to market needs. There are also plans to introduce online sales and home delivery, which will make it much easier to access cannabis products. As the market grows, we can also expect an increase in the number of jobs in the cannabis industry and tax revenues, which will have a positive impact on the state budget.

Today is a significant milestone for Ohio, which joins the ranks of states in the United States where recreational marijuana is legal. This event opens up new opportunities for residents and businesses, while also challenging them to use newly available products responsibly. It’s worth following further developments and staying up to date on regulations and product offerings.

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(Featured image by GRAS GRUN via Unsplash)

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