Ohio to Launch Recreational Cannabis Sales 

LOS ANGELES- Ohio will commence recreational cannabis sales early next week, possibly as soon as Tuesday, August 6, following the issuance of the first necessary licenses on Monday.

Jamie Crawford, Public Information Officer for Ohio’s Department of Commerce, stated, “We intend to issue the first set of non-medical licenses on Tuesday. There will be no sales over the weekend. We will provide a formal announcement on Monday. Once dispensaries receive their Certificate of Operation, the Division of Cannabis Control will update the map showing which dispensaries are open to adult-use customers.”

As of Friday, over 130 dispensaries in Ohio had received provisional licenses, but none had yet been issued dual-use Certificates of Operation (COO). A COO is required for companies to operate in the adult-use segment.

It is currently unknown how many licenses will be issued next week in the initial wave. The official announcement followed reports from operators and industry organizations indicating that sales could begin as early as Tuesday, August 6.

The Ohio Cannabis Coalition (OHCANN), the state’s largest industry group, announced on Friday afternoon that sales of non-medical cannabis could start as early as next Tuesday. OHCANN President Tom Haren stated, “I can’t emphasize enough the work that OHCANN members alongside DCC have put in to bring us to this day. We are stepping into a new future for Ohio where citizens will have access to safe products, and communities will benefit from tax revenue and job opportunities.”

Jason Erkes, Chief Communication Officer at Cresco Labs, confirmed the Tuesday start date, stating via email, “The first sales will take place Tuesday morning and we can’t wait to open our Sunnyside doors across Ohio to show consumers what regulated cannabis looks like – I think they will be surprised at the product selection and welcoming experience.” Erkes noted that Sunnyside locations in Cincinnati, Wintersville, and Marion had been approved, with Newark and Chillicothe awaiting approval.

Ben Kovler, CEO and founder of Green Thumb Industry (GTI), a large cannabis operator with existing medical dispensaries in Ohio, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that sales would start on Tuesday.

Ohio is on the verge of a significant milestone, becoming the 21st state to launch recreational cannabis sales on Tuesday, August 6, according to multiple state news outlets.

Road to Recreational Cannabis Sales

In November 2023, Ohioans voted to legalize cannabis for adults 21 and older. The passing of Issue 2 allowed the Division of Cannabis Control (DCC), part of the Ohio Department of Commerce, to set policies and oversee the rollout.

Despite initial uncertainty, the DCC has been ahead of schedule, ensuring a smooth transition from medical to recreational sales. Tom Haren of OHCANN acknowledged the hard work of DCC staff and OHCANN members, stating, “We are easily three or four months ahead of schedule.”

Since July, the DCC has granted provisional licenses to over 100 dispensaries across the state, allowing them to prepare for recreational sales. To receive certificates of operation, these businesses must meet several requirements, including the ability to distinguish and sell both medical and adult-use products.

Economic Impact

The introduction of recreational cannabis sales is expected to significantly boost Ohio’s economy. New dispensaries will create jobs, and the demand for cultivators and processors will increase, providing more employment opportunities. Recreational cannabis sales will also generate substantial tax revenue for the state, including a 10% excise tax on adult-use cannabis sales in addition to the state’s 5.75% sales tax. These funds can be used for public services, infrastructure projects, and educational programs.

Ohio’s journey towards recreational cannabis sales has been a lengthy and meticulously planned process. After months of preparation and regulatory oversight, the state is set to open its doors to adult-use sales on Tuesday. This development marks a significant step forward in the normalization and acceptance of cannabis, with potential for positive societal change and economic growth benefiting both consumers and the industry.