Ohio Approves Adult-Use Marijuana Sales, Set to Begin by Mid-June
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio is set to launch adult-use marijuana sales by mid-June following the recent approval of new licensing rules for dispensaries. This marks a significant step in implementing a 2023 ballot measure that legalized recreational cannabis in the state.
Legalization and Its Challenges
Since December, when Ohio voters approved the statute allowing individuals over 21 to grow and possess cannabis, there has been no legal way to purchase it. This gap raised concerns about a potential increase in black market activities. Governor Mike DeWine and other Republican legislators highlighted the urgency of establishing a legal framework for sales to mitigate these risks.
On Monday, the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review approved rules enabling a dual licensing system. This system will permit existing medical marijuana dispensaries to sell recreational cannabis. Jim Canepa, superintendent of the Division of Cannabis Control, announced that applications for these licenses will be available by June 7 at the latest.
“We’re following the timeline in the initiated statute. We have a small but mighty staff, but there’s a bandwidth issue there,” Canepa said, urging patience.
Readiness for Sales
Tom Haren, spokesperson for the Ohio Cannabis Coalition and a key advocate for the ballot measure, expressed confidence in the preparedness of dispensary operators. He commended the Division of Cannabis Control for its efforts to meet deadlines and highlighted the industry's readiness to adapt to new regulations.
“Our members have been anticipating the rollout of adult-use sales,” Haren said. “They’ve been working on getting processes in place, making necessary changes to procedures. We’re really excited.”
Haren expects most of Ohio’s current dispensaries to apply for dual licenses, allowing them to offer both medical and recreational cannabis products.
Regulatory Developments
The recently approved rules are part of a broader regulatory framework required to implement the program by September 7 fully. The new law permits adults 21 and over to purchase and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and grow up to six plants individually or 12 plants per household. Sales will be subject to a 10% tax, with revenue allocated to administrative costs, addiction treatment, municipalities with dispensaries, and social equity and jobs programs.
Republican state Representative Jamie Callendar, a long-time supporter of legalizing adult-use cannabis, praised the thorough regulatory process. He emphasized that careful regulation is more effective than quickly passing legislative packages.
Political Landscape
Governor DeWine and the Republican-led Ohio Senate had previously attempted a substantial rewrite of the voter-approved measure. Their proposal included prohibiting home cultivation, reducing the possession limit to 1 ounce, and increasing the tax rate to 15%. This bill would have also redirected tax revenues away from social equity programs to the general state fund. However, the Ohio House adjourned without voting on the bill, leaving the original provisions in place.
Calendar noted that while some legislative adjustments might still be necessary, such as ensuring child safety packaging and prohibiting marketing to minors, the overall implementation is progressing smoothly.
“I think at this point we’ve gotten past a lot of the fears that many of the senators and the Governor’s Office had originally, and we’ve gotten to the point where they’re saying, ‘Oh, this is going to work,’” Callendar said.
As Ohio prepares for the mid-June start date for adult-use marijuana sales, the state is entering a new era of cannabis regulation, promising economic benefits and broader access for its residents.
