Recreational marijuana sales in Ohio are set to begin next week.
The Division of Cannabis Control announced on Friday that it will start issuing the first dual-use certificates of operation to dispensaries on Tuesday. This follows preliminary approvals granted to medical marijuana dispensaries, growers, and processors looking to enter the adult-use market.
Last November, Ohio voters approved the legalization of marijuana for adults aged 21 and older.
Jamie Crawford, a spokesperson for the division, clarified, “There will be no sales over the weekend. We will make a formal announcement on Monday.”
On Friday, dispensaries across Ohio were informed they would receive their certificates of operation and could commence recreational sales on Tuesday, provided they complete a few final steps. According to an email from the division obtained by the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, licensees must update their information in the state’s tracking system and notify local officials of their intent to start sales.
Dispensaries scheduled to begin adult-use sales on Tuesday include:
- Sunnyside in Cincinnati, Chillicothe, Marion, and Wintersville
- Ohio Cannabis Company in Canton, Piqua, and Harpster
- The Citizen by Klutch in Lorain and Canton
- The Botanist in Columbus, Akron, Cleveland, Canton, and Wickliffe
- Amplify in Columbus, Bedford, and Cleveland Heights
- Zen Leaf in Cincinnati, Dayton, Canton, and Bowling Green
- Supergood in Ravenna
- Bloom in Columbus and Painesville Township
- Uplift in Milford and Mount Orab
- Nar Reserve in Columbus
- Curaleaf in Newark
- Terrasana in Columbus, Fremont, Springfield, and Garfield Heights
Brian Wingfield, owner of Ohio Cannabis Company, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I feel honored to be part of this historic event. I’m looking forward to serving all Ohioans, both medical and recreational.”
To receive their certificates of operation, businesses with provisional licenses had to meet several criteria, including passing a test to ensure they can accurately differentiate and sell medical and adult-use products. The state has already approved cultivators, processors, and testing labs to ensure an adequate supply when stores open for recreational sales.
Tom Haren, spokesperson for the Ohio Cannabis Coalition, remarked, “We are stepping into a new future for Ohio where citizens will have access to safe products, and communities will benefit from this growing industry through increased tax revenue and job opportunities.”