By Audrey Baker
Nearly 100 Ohio dispensaries will be allowed to sell recreational marijuana starting Tuesday.
The Ohio Division of Cannabis Control announced Monday it will issue its first set of dual-use certificates of operation to 98 eligible dispensaries across the state. It plans to issue certificates to all remaining eligible dispensaries later this week.
“Once an entity has received its COO, it is legally authorized to begin the sale of non-medical cannabis in addition to medical cannabis,” the DCC said. “However, the issuance of COOs does not necessarily mean non-medical sales will begin immediately at every dispensary, as each licensee must determine when they will start sales based on factors including staffing, stock and other business considerations.”
The announcement comes nine months after a majority of Ohio voters approved a November 2023 ballot initiative allowing adults aged 21 and older to grow up to six plants per person (or 12 plants per household) at home, as well as buy and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis.
Non-medical marijuana sales will be subject to a 10% tax, with the revenue to be distributed between a social equity and jobs program, substance abuse and addiction services, local governments, and administrative costs.
In order to be certified, dispensaries must demonstrate their ability to process adult use and medical sales properly, validate that their security system meets legal requirements, and agree to ensure that inventory remains available for medical patients, among other requirements, according to the DCC.