Ohio is on the brink of a significant change as the state moves closer to launching its adult-use marijuana market. The Ohio Division of Cannabis Control (DCC) has issued 188 provisional licenses to existing medical cannabis businesses, enabling them to participate in both medical and recreational markets. This includes licenses for dispensaries, cultivators, processors, and testing laboratories.
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| Ohio Prepares for Recreational Marijuana Sales |
The application process, which began on June 7, 2024, follows the state's voter-approved legalization initiative from November 2023. Ohioans aged 21 and older have been able to legally possess cannabis since December 7, 2023, but the launch of a commercial marketplace is still in progress.
These provisional licenses act as placeholders until businesses meet all operational requirements and receive their certificates of operation. The DCC aims to ensure a smooth transition by prioritizing dual-use licensure, which is expected to expedite the process. Dispensaries must comply with various local and state regulations, including security and surveillance measures, before commencing adult-use sales.
Ohio's approach is part of a broader trend in the U.S., where states that legalized recreational cannabis have varied in the time taken to launch commercial sales. Ohio's structured and phased rollout aims to balance regulatory compliance with market readiness.
For more detailed information, you can visit the Cannabis Business Times.