Ohio’s Marijuana Landscape: A Quick Guide

Ohio recently became the 24th state to legalize recreational marijuana with the passage of Issue 2 in the November election.

Despite marijuana’s legal status, lawmakers can make adjustments to the law. It may take several months for the state to process licenses for establishments to legally sell weed.

The law currently allows anyone over 21 to have 2.5 ounces of cannabis flower and 15 grams of extract.

Ohio residents over 21 will have the liberty to cultivate up to six plants individually or up to a dozen plants for households with multiple adults. However, the Senate is currently seeking to modify this to allow six plants for a single household.

House Bill 86 was approved by the Ohio Senate on Wednesday which proposes various alterations. Sub. H.B. 86 is more restrictive compared to the existing law, cutting down on home cultivation to six plants, lowering THC levels, and increasing taxes. Essentially, it would limit the ability to consume in private residences.

“I am very thrilled to see the state moving in the right direction,” Ohio resident Evan Ash said. “I have had a medicinal marijuana card for a year now, and I believe everyone should be able to obtain what they need.”

The Senate’s suggestion involves raising the approved tax on marijuana products from 10% to 15%.

The generated tax revenue is earmarked for various purposes, including general state funding, law enforcement training, substance abuse treatment and prevention, and safe driving education. This is in contrast to the initial statute, where revenue would have supported local governments hosting dispensaries and a social equity program aiding individuals aspiring to enter the cannabis industry.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine pressed the Ohio Senate to approve the recently introduced bill, emphasizing that without it, marijuana would be legal in Ohio without a lawful avenue for purchasing. The proposed legislation aims to enable individuals aged 21 and above to promptly purchase from medical dispensaries, to curb the growth of the “black market.”

“It frustrates me that the governor is trying to change what the people want,” Ash said. “What is the point of getting together as a community and voting on change for only the government to come in and flip the script.”

DeWine openly expressed concern about a potential worst-case scenario, suggesting the potential for an increase in black market sales or the availability of marijuana products laced with fentanyl or pesticides. 

Can you buy marijuana in Ohio now?

Not just yet.

If medical dispensaries aren’t given the green light by lawmakers and DeWine to sell recreational marijuana, legal sales may be delayed until late next summer or fall. This is due to the Division of Cannabis Control needing time to establish regulations regarding licensing, product standards, packaging, and other aspects.

“We’re still waiting on the state to let us know when we can apply for an adult use license,” said Hayley Richards, general manager and designated representative for Bliss Ohio, a medical marijuana dispensary in Kent. “We could see our first sales in Ohio around Fall of 2024.” 

Every business will have rules and regulations on operating and selling their products.

Bliss Ohio has a wide variety of products from the flower itself to concentrates and edibles. They would also see a huge increase in sales and business if they could obtain an adult-use license.

Richard did not comment on the governor’s attempt to try and change the laws surrounding Issue 2.

Flash Vapes, a vape and tobacco retailer in Kent, is “unsure” if they will apply for an adult-use recreational license, an employee said.

“Applying and becoming a recreational dispensary is a costly expense,” he said. “We have two stores now which makes it possible, but we aren’t sure where the marijuana industry will be in nine months.” 

While only some retailers are considering applying for an adult-use recreational license, there may still be a shift in their business operations moving forward.

“I think this is all around good for the state,” an employee for Flash Vapes said. “Legalizing marijuana will not only make money for dispensaries and small businesses that can obtain a license but it will also make the government a lot of money.”

Puff N’ Stuff, another vape and tobacco retailer in Kent, does not plan on applying for an adult-use recreational license. They will stick strictly to vape and tobacco products due to the lack of space. 

Even with the approval of Issue 2, the consumption of marijuana through smoking will remain prohibited on Kent State University’s campus.

“It’s all very confusing,” Kent State University student Jake Burdick said. “Each day you hear something new regarding marijuana, I think just about every student is as clueless as the government is.”

The University receives federal funding which forces them to continue to abide by federal laws.

Enacted in 1989, the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act prohibits the use of illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco in publicly-funded areas, encompassing schools and universities.

Currently, marijuana remains illegal at the federal level. The university’s official stance maintains a smoke-free campus policy, thereby prohibiting the use of cannabis and similar products.

A student caught with marijuana may receive a warning. Subsequent violations could lead to probation, with the possibility of dismissal from the university.

“Why call this a democracy when the government can change what we the people want,” Burdick said.