Ohio’s First Day of Recreational Marijuana Sales Draws Crowds

On the first day of recreational marijuana sales in Ohio, customers eagerly lined up at dispensaries across the state. The Division of Cannabis Control granted operating certificates to nearly 100 medical marijuana dispensaries to start selling recreational marijuana to adults. Jeffrey Reide was so eager to make the first purchase at a Cincinnati dispensary that he camped out in his car and was the first customer just after sunrise, expressing his excitement for the long-awaited legalization of recreational use.

In addition to the Cincinnati dispensary, there were also lines forming outside dispensaries in Columbus and Youngstown. While 98 locations received operation certificates, it was uncertain how many were prepared to open their doors on the first day of sales. The legalization of recreational marijuana in Ohio had been approved by voters in November, permitting individuals over the age of 21 to purchase, possess, and cultivate limited amounts of cannabis for personal use.

Under the new law, adults can buy and have up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and grow up to six plants per person or 12 plants per household. A 10% tax is imposed on legal purchases, with the revenue allocated towards administrative expenses, addiction treatment, municipalities with dispensaries, and funding social equity as well as employment initiatives in support of the cannabis industry.