Ohio Approves Dual-Use Recreational Marijuana Sales Licenses

SANDUSKY, Ohio — In a historic move, Ohio’s Division of Cannabis Control has approved the first provisional dual-use recreational marijuana sales licenses. Consequently, these new dual-use recreational marijuana sales licenses will enable authorized retailers in Sandusky to begin offering both medical and recreational cannabis products to adult consumers.

Moreover, the approval of these pioneering licenses marks a significant step forward in Ohio’s marijuana legalization efforts.

1. Dispensaries With An Approval For Dual-Use Recreational Sales:

Over 78 Ohio medical marijuana dispensaries, including 21 in Northeast Ohio, are now pre-approved to sell dual-use recreational marijuana.

Ohio Medical Marijuana Dispensaries:

The Forest Dispensary – 5020 Milan Road, Sandusky (Perkins Township)

CREAM Apothecaries – 914 Cleveland St., Elyria

Greenleaf Apothecaries – 46 S. Summit St., Akron

The Green Goat Dispensary – 4016 Greentree SW, Canton

Italian Herbs Dispensary – 2712 W. Prospect Rd., Ashtabula

Mother Know’s [sic] Best – 3224 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton

Amplify CH – 1782 Coventry Rd., Cleveland Heights

Amplify Bedford – 22803 Rockside Rd., Bedford

Good Day Dispensary – 34480 Vine St., Willowick

Simple AG Ohio – 554 N. Chestnut St., Ravenna

GTI Ohio – 11818 Madison Ave., Lakewood

GTI Ohio – 1920 Cooper Foster Park Rd., Lorain

NMG OH 1 – 709 Sugar Lane, Elyria

GTI Ohio – 1222 Prospect Ave. E.. Cleveland

Next-Level Operators – 331 E. Main St., Kent

FRX Health – 1682 State Rd., Cuyahoga Falls

Citizen Real Estate – 401 Cherry Ave. NE, Canton

Citizen Real Estate – 5152 Grove Ave., Lorain

Green Power OH – 13429 Lakewood Heights Blvd., Cleveland

Ohio Patient Access – 6019 Milan Rd., Sandusky

INSA Ohio – 27751 Chardon Rd., Willoughby Hills

2. Ohio’s First Medical Dispensary Prepares to Launch Recreational Sales:

Jared Maloof, CEO of Standard Wellness, addressed the public’s anticipation.

“Everyone wants to know when we’ll start recreational sales,” he said.

The Forest Dispensary, owned by Standard Wellness, aims to make history again. It was among Ohio’s first medical dispensaries in 2019. Now, it’s poised to be one of the first to offer recreational marijuana.

The Sandusky location eagerly awaits approval to begin sales. Customers and industry watchers are excited about this new chapter in Ohio’s cannabis market.

3. When Will Dual-Use Recreational Marijuana Sales Licenses Begin?

Dispensaries with provisional licenses are nearing the finish line for recreational sales.

Here’s what they need to do:

Pass Final Inspection: The state will thoroughly examine each dispensary location to ensure compliance with safety and security regulations.
Review Standard Operating Procedures: Regulators will assess the dispensary’s plans for operating procedures, including things like product handling, customer service, and security measures.
One-on-One Meeting: Dispensary representatives will meet with a state regulator from the Division of Cannabis Control to discuss any remaining questions or concerns.

Once these steps are complete, the state can grant the dispensary a final “operational certificate.” Subsequently, this official approval allows them to begin selling recreational marijuana to adults. While an exact date can’t be confirmed, estimates suggest recreational sales could start within one to two weeks after dispensaries receive their operational certificates.

“Best guess? One to two weeks,” Maloof surmised

4. Where to Buy Recreational Marijuana Sales Licenses in Ohio?

Ohio recently passed Issue 2, a citizen-initiated statute approved by 57% of voters. This paves the way for dual-use recreational marijuana sales at the state’s around 130 existing licensed dispensaries. On June 7, the Ohio Department of Commerce (DCC) began accepting dual-use license applications from these existing medical marijuana facilities. Industry experts anticipated adult-use sales would start by late June. However, the actual launch is now slated for early to mid-July.

5. When Do Recreational Marijuana Sales Start at Your Local Dispensary?

Ohio’s Department of Commerce warns against expectations of a singular statewide launch for recreational marijuana sales. A department spokesperson stated:

“There will be no one singular day when sales begin. We will start issuing licenses, but the actual start date will vary by retailer based on factors like staffing and inventory.”

State regulators emphasize they are making no promises about a uniform recreational sales debut across Ohio’s existing medical marijuana dispensaries.

Final Thoughts about Ohio Recreational Marijuana Sales

The wait is almost over! With provisional licenses issued, Ohio’s recreational marijuana sales are expected to begin within the first 1-2 weeks of July. While the exact launch date will vary by dispensary, these initial sales mark a significant step forward for the state’s cannabis program. Remember to check the Division of Cannabis Control website for updates and information on participating dispensaries.

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FAQs:

1. What does “dual-use” mean for Ohio’s marijuana dispensaries?

The “dual-use” Recreational Marijuana Sales licenses allow the approved medical marijuana dispensaries to also sell recreational/adult-use cannabis products to consumers.

2. When will recreational marijuana sales start in Ohio?

While exact dates haven’t been announced, dispensaries with provisional licenses could begin sales within 1-2 weeks of receiving their final approval. Industry insiders initially expected a late June launch, but it’s now likely for early/mid-July 2024.