Nine months after a vote to legalize recreational cannabis use in Ohio, dispensaries across the state are preparing to open their doors to enthusiastic customers.
First Certified Dispensaries
Ohio is set to issue its first-ever operating certificates for recreational marijuana dispensaries this week after state residents voted in force to legalize the drug last November.
Recreational Purchase for Ohio Adults
From Tuesday onward, Ohioans who are 21 or older will be able to purchase recreational marijuana from 98 locations across the state, according to the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Cannabis Control (DCC).
98 Dispensaries Certified
These 98 dispensaries will be the first to receive their dual-use Certificates of Operation from the government on Tuesday, with the remaining dispensaries waiting for certificates later in the week.
No Guarantee of Immediate Sales
It should be noted that certificates of operation do not mean that sales will begin immediately. Sale commencement times will be dependent on individual operators, though many expect to begin recreational sales on Tuesday.
Infrastructure Preparation
November’s vote to legalize the possession, production, and purchase of marijuana for recreational use has also led to certifications for testing labs, cultivators, and processors.
Early Certifications
Six labs, 29 cultivators, and 39 processors across the state received their COOs from the DCC last Friday, preceding the certification of dispensaries.
Delay in Sales
While the vote occurred last year, sales have been delayed as the state and DCC rush to establish new rules and regulations for recreational sales as well as the infrastructure to maintain them.
Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Helped the Process
Public officials involved in the process have pointed to the state’s previous medical marijuana program as partially responsible for the speedy rollout of the medical marijuana facilities.
Thanks to Existing Medical Marijuana Laws
“A big reason we were able to get to this point ahead of the Sept. 7 deadline was due to the foundation laid through the state’s existing Medical Marijuana Control Program,” DCC superintendent James Canepa told Cincinnati news station WLWT.
Dual-Use Dispensaries
Following the historic vote, 230 medical marijuana facilities applied to become dual-use – which would allow them to fill both medicinal and recreational prescriptions.
A Smooth Process
“Since existing licensees had already met stringent requirements of that program, we anticipated this process to be rather smooth,” Canepa added. “They had already undergone many of the comprehensive checks as part of that process.”
Huge Influx of Prescriptions
State residents have been waiting with bated breath to claim their first prescriptions. According to reports from the Cincinnati Enquirer, dual-use dispensaries are jam-packed with prescription requests before they have even received certificates.
Advocates Speak Out
Advocates for recreational and medicinal cannabis have also lauded the vote to legalize recreational use and the speediness with which public officials have taken action to implement it.
“Stepping Into a New Future”
“We are stepping into a new future for Ohio,” said Tom Haren, a spokesman for the Ohio Cannabis Coalition in an email correspondence with Ohio Capital Journal. “Where citizens will have access to safe products and communities will feel the benefits of this growing industry through tax revenue and job opportunities.”
Ohio Cannabis Coalition
The coalition is “the leading unified voice of Ohio’s legal medical and adult-use cannabis industry,” according to its official website.
Marijuana Policy Project
Matthew Schweich, the executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project, has also celebrated the retail change this week. The MPP is America’s leading cannabis policy reform organization and also provided funding for the initial voting campaign in Ohio.
Ending Injustice, Increasing Personal Freedom
“This milestone will not only generate substantial economic benefits for the state but will increase personal freedom and end the injustice of cannabis prohibition,” said Schweich.
Allowances for Purchase and Possession
The new state rules for recreational use allow adults over 20 years old to purchase up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis which they can legally carry on their person and keep in their home.
Keeping Supplies for Medical Customers
However, excited customers may not necessarily be able to purchase these amounts from a single dispensary, as many businesses have agreed to limit initial recreational sales to ensure adequate supply for medicinal users, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper.
Growing At Home
Production is also permitted for residents under the new law, with individuals legally allowed to grow a maximum of six plants, or 12 plants per household.
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