Ohio has officially stepped into a new era with the legalization of recreational marijuana. “I can’t emphasize enough the work that OHCANN members alongside the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control have put in to bring us to this day,” said OHCANN Spokesperson Tom Haren in a recent release. “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 tax revenue and job opportunities.”
This significant milestone follows the passage of Issue 2 by Ohioans in November, legalizing recreational marijuana in the state. In the months since, medical marijuana dispensaries have been applying for dual-use licenses to sell both recreational and medical marijuana.
Spectrum News 1 reached out to the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control on Friday to confirm which dispensaries have received their Certificate of Operation to begin selling recreational marijuana products. According to the division, no dispensaries have received a certificate yet, but they have provided a map that will be updated once Certificates of Operation are issued.
In late June, the Division of Cannabis Control began issuing provisional dual-use licenses to testing labs, cultivators, processors, and dispensaries. However, obtaining a dual-use license does not automatically allow a facility to start selling recreational marijuana; a Certificate of Operation is required to begin sales.
“As we transition into this new market, it’s important to recognize the stringent state safety provisions the industry will be following,” OHCANN wrote in its statement. “Medical marijuana dispensaries have already been responsibly serving Ohio patients for years, and now they will utilize the same medical marijuana rules and regulations for Ohioans 21 years of age or older.”
The move towards recreational marijuana promises to bring significant economic benefits to Ohio, including increased tax revenue and job opportunities. As the state navigates this new market, the emphasis remains on safety and regulation to ensure that all products are safe for consumers.