COLUMBUS, Ohio — Sales of recreational marijuana will begin across Ohio on Tuesday when the state issues the first operating licenses.
Nearly 100 medical marijuana dispensaries can begin selling immediately, but it’s still unclear how many of them will be ready to open, the Division of Cannabis Control said Monday.
Many will be ready immediately, others may be delayed due to staffing or inventory issues.
According to the Department of Cannabis Control, operating licenses will be issued to 98 locations in the first round.
Ohio voters overwhelmingly approved last November allowing people over 21 to possess, purchase and grow limited amounts of cannabis for personal use. However, recreational sales remained on hold while the state implemented a regulated system for legal marijuana purchases and developed other rules.
The new law allows adults ages 21 and older to purchase and possess up to 2.5 ounces (70 grams) of cannabis and grow up to six plants per person or 12 plants per household at home.
A 10% tax will be imposed on the legal purchase of marijuana, with revenue to be used for administrative costs, addiction treatment, community dispensaries, and social equity and employment programs to support the cannabis industry itself.
