Ohio Legalizes Weed: Dispensaries & Customers React
- Ohio has officially legalized recreational cannabis use and possession under Issue 2, although recreational sales are not yet permitted. The state Senate has voted to allow existing medical marijuana dispensaries to sell recreational marijuana and to restrict the number of plants residents can grow per household.
- Patients and dispensary operators are broadly supportive of the changes, with many excited about the potential for increased access and reduced reliance on the illicit market. However, there are also concerns about the impact of potential restrictions on home cultivation, as well as uncertainty about future regulations for THC levels and other matters.
- There is general expectation that the legalization of recreational marijuana will lead to increased innovation in the cannabis industry, and hopes that the new laws will address social justice issues related to past cannabis offenses. However, there are also concerns about possible high taxes on recreational sales and employers’ rights to conduct drug tests.
Ohio’s Day One of recreational marijuana legalization
The official legalization of recreational marijuana in Ohio started on a disappointing note for an Akron resident, Giovanni Romani, who was disheartened to learn that recreational sales are not yet permitted.
Regulatory Challenges Delay Recreational Sales
Although Issue 2 legalized recreational cannabis use in Ohio, enthusiasts cannot purchase marijuana without a medical card. On Wednesday, the Ohio Senate voted to allow medical marijuana dispensaries to sell recreational marijuana. However, the House did not vote on the issue.
Dispensaries Prepare for Increased Demand
Kate Nelson, executive vice president of Acreage Holdings, opined that Ohio should add recreational sales quickly, due to the growing cannabis supply in the medical market.
Patients Anticipate Homegrown Cannabis
Hannah Smagola, a brain cancer patient and medical marijuana user, expressed support for recreational use. She’s eager to grow her own cannabis plants, a provision Issue 2 includes. Smagola uses medical marijuana to manage symptoms from anxiety and expects the legalization to reduce prices.
Expanding Access to Marijuana in Ohio
Ali George, another medical marijuana patient, believes everyone should have access to cannabis. She thinks recreational sales will help standardize the product.
Switching from Pain Meds to Medical Marijuana
A Cincinnati resident turned to medical marijuana after access to his pain medication became difficult. He hopes the state’s medical marijuana program will help manage his chronic pain.
Challenges for Out-of-State Medical Card Holders
Dispensaries, such as Cincinnati’s Story of Ohio, often turn away out-of-state card holders as Ohio does not recognize medical marijuana cards issued in other states.
Dispensaries Await Clarity on Recreational Sales
Dwayne Siekman, co-owner of Bliss Ohio, is ready to sell recreational marijuana as soon as permitted. He anticipates sales limitations, including a 2.5-ounce limit for flower purchases and 15 grams for extracts.
Canton Shop Maintains ‘Tobacco Use Only’ Policy
Canton’s Quonset Hut will continue to sell smoke and cannabinoid products for tobacco use only until further guidance from the state. Co-owner Matt Hisrich believes there’s still a market for CBD due to drug tests detecting cannabis for several days to weeks.
Ohio Dispensaries Eager to Serve More People
Ohio Cannabis Company dispensary in Canton is excited to serve more people but are awaiting firm regulations. They are interested in selling cannabis for recreational use but foresee potential challenges with different THC limits.
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