47 Ohio Municipalities Ban Adult-Use Cannabis Businesses Ahead of Program Launch

LOS ANGELES- As Ohio prepares for the launch of its adult-use cannabis program, several dozen municipalities have implemented temporary bans on adult-use cannabis businesses. Research from Ohio State University, summarized by Cleveland.com, indicates that as of March 31, at least 47 municipalities had opted to prohibit adult-use cannabis operations enabled by the state legalization law passed by voters last year.

The state’s adult-use cannabis program is on track to begin sales in June, following a key legislative committee’s approval of a dual-licensing proposal. This proposal would allow medical cannabis dispensaries to also serve adult-use customers.

The moratoriums, mostly set for three months to one year, are intended to be temporary. Local officials in many areas have the option to extend or lift these restrictions. Notably, some jurisdictions with moratoriums already host operational medical cannabis companies.

The report noted that these 47 communities represent just 2% of Ohio’s total incorporated cities and townships. The most cited reason for the moratoriums was to “preserve public health,” followed by a desire to wait for the full program’s rules to be finalized.

Under the cannabis legalization policy approved by Ohio voters, adults aged 21 and over are permitted to possess and cultivate cannabis at home. However, there are currently no legal avenues for adult-use consumers to purchase cannabis products.