Ohio is set to introduce legal sales of recreational marijuana in mid-June 2024, allowing adults aged 21 and over to purchase up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis. The new licensing rules aim to address concerns about the black market and will also fund addiction treatment and social equity programs through a 10% sales tax.
Recreational marijuana is set to be available for sale in Ohio by mid-June 2024 following the passage of new licensing rules. Since December, when Ohio voters approved an initiated statute, residents aged 21 and over have been able to legally grow and possess cannabis at home. However, there were no provisions for legal purchasing, raising concerns about the potential rise of a black market.
The recent legislative move, facilitated by the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review, allows existing medical marijuana dispensaries to also sell recreational cannabis. The approval came through without any objections, paving the way for a dual licensing program. The Division of Cannabis Control’s Superintendent, Jim Canepa, announced that applications for dispensaries will be open by June 7, with the possibility of availability even sooner, depending on procedural outcomes.
The law permits adults to buy and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and grow six plants individually or 12 per household. A 10% tax on sales will fund administrative costs, addiction treatment, and social equity and jobs programs, with some revenues also directed to municipalities hosting dispensaries.
The program’s setup comes after contentious moments, including a significant Senate rewrite last year that, among other changes, proposed increased taxes and reduced possession amounts. This version was not passed by the House, maintaining the stipulations voted on by the public.
Tom Haren, spokesperson for the Ohio Cannabis Coalition, expressed confidence that most current dispensaries would apply for the new licenses, stressing their readiness and anticipation for the sales rollout. Meanwhile, Republican state Rep. Jamie Callendar highlighted the progress made in overcoming initial concerns about the implementation of the voter-approved statute.