Ohio Approves Initial Dispensary Applications for Recreational Cannabis Market

LOS ANGELES- The Ohio Division of Cannabis Control (DCC) has approved applications for 20 dispensaries, marking the initial step toward commencing recreational cannabis sales in the state. The DCC has received a total of 235 applications from businesses seeking recreational marijuana retail permits or to expand their existing medical cannabis operations to include recreational sales.

Among the applicants are medical cannabis growers, processors, and testing labs that have applied for “dual-use” license status, allowing them to operate in both medical and recreational markets. While some of these applications have been approved, this does not yet permit the businesses to start recreational cannabis operations or sales. According to a report by ABC 6, the companies must still obtain a “certificate of operation” and wait for the DCC to process all necessary documents before they can launch recreational sales. The exact date for the commencement of recreational cannabis sales in Ohio remains unclear, though the market launch is anticipated within the coming weeks. The DCC has been working to expedite the application process and prepare for the new recreational cannabis market. The release of application information earlier this month has generated significant excitement among businesses, both large and small. The Ohio market is particularly appealing as a central hub in the Midwest, promising substantial opportunities for growth and expansion in the cannabis industry.

The approval of initial dispensary applications represents a critical milestone in Ohio’s path to launching its recreational cannabis market. With the necessary regulatory steps still pending, businesses and consumers alike await the official start of recreational cannabis sales, expected to begin in the near future.