LOS ANGELES- Ohio is on the verge of activating its adult-use cannabis marketplace following the state regulators’ recent publication of the latest draft rules for the industry. This comprehensive framework, announced last week, introduces detailed regulations focusing on retail operations, including novel provisions for online sales, curbside pickup, and stringent waste disposal requirements.
The newly released draft, as reported by 21-WFMJ, aims to regulate the burgeoning adult-use cannabis sector within the state. According to the guidelines set forth on April 3, access to licensed dispensaries is restricted to individuals over the age of 21 or those possessing a medical cannabis card. Furthermore, dispensaries must adhere to a location mandate, maintaining a minimum distance of 500 feet from schools, public libraries, and parks to ensure a regulated proximity to community spaces.
A significant advancement in the retail sector includes the authorization of online sales, complementing traditional in-store purchases with the added convenience of curbside pickup. The regulations also contemplate the installation of drive-up windows at cannabis retail locations, although home delivery services remain outside the current regulatory scope. However, the possibility of integrating self-serve kiosks within dispensaries is being explored, provided they are confined to the physical premises of the dispensaries.
An integral aspect of the draft rules addresses environmental concerns, mandating specific practices for the disposal of cannabis waste. The protocol requires that cannabis waste be made non-recoverable by blending it with non-cannabis materials, such as paper or compost, in a ratio that ensures the cannabis constitutes no more than 49% of the mixture. This process must be documented and executed under video surveillance to maintain compliance and traceability.
The regulatory framework sets the stage for the application process, which is slated to commence in June, with the anticipation of issuing the first licenses by late summer or early fall. This development follows the approval of a cannabis legalization proposal by Ohio voters last year, allowing adults 21 and older to purchase and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and to cultivate plants for personal use.
In a related move, Governor Mike DeWine urged the legislature in February to advance a Senate-endorsed bill enabling medical dispensaries to serve adult-use clients. Despite the governor’s appeal, the House has yet to address the matter.
This progression in Ohio’s cannabis regulatory landscape marks a pivotal step towards establishing a structured and accessible market for adult-use cannabis, balancing consumer convenience with safety and environmental responsibility.
