When Will You Be Able to Buy Marijuana in Ohio

Ohio’s cannabis laws are evolving, and many residents are curious about when they will be able to legally purchase recreational marijuana. While medical marijuana has been available for qualifying patients since 2016, the state is now on the path toward legalizing recreational use following the approval of Issue 2 in November 2023.

This article will break down when recreational marijuana sales might begin in Ohio, where you can currently buy medical cannabis, and what to expect from the future of marijuana laws in the state.

Recreational Marijuana Legalization in Ohio

In November 2023, Ohio voters approved Issue 2, a pivotal step toward legalizing recreational marijuana in the state. Starting in December 2023, adults aged 21 and older will be legally allowed to possess and cultivate small amounts of marijuana for personal use. Specifically, residents will be able to:

• Possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana
• Possess up to 15 grams of cannabis concentrates
• Grow up to six cannabis plants at home (with no more than three in the flowering stage)

However, while possession and personal cultivation will be legal starting in December 2023, the sale of recreational marijuana is not yet permitted. This raises the question: when will you be able to buy marijuana in Ohio?

When Will Recreational Marijuana Sales Begin in Ohio?

Although recreational marijuana possession and home cultivation will be legal in December 2023, the state has not yet established a regulatory framework for the sale of recreational cannabis. This means that Ohio residents will need to wait for the state to create the necessary laws and licensing processes before marijuana can be sold in dispensaries for adult use.

Based on the experiences of other states, it typically takes 12 to 18 months after legalization for the first recreational dispensaries to open. This timeline allows for the creation of a regulatory body, the issuance of licenses to businesses, and the establishment of safety standards for cannabis products.

Given this timeline, it’s reasonable to expect that the first recreational marijuana sales in Ohio could begin as early as late 2024 or early 2025. However, this is dependent on how quickly the state can implement its regulatory framework.

What to Expect from Ohio’s Recreational Market

Once recreational marijuana sales begin, Ohio is expected to follow a model similar to other states that have legalized adult-use cannabis. Licensed dispensaries will sell a wide range of marijuana products, including:

• Flower (bud)
• Edibles
• Oils and tinctures
• Concentrates
• Topicals

These products will be tested for safety and potency, ensuring that consumers have access to reliable and regulated cannabis. Additionally, the state will likely impose limits on how much marijuana individuals can purchase during a single transaction, similar to other states with legalized recreational use.

Where Can You Buy Marijuana in Ohio Right Now?

Until recreational sales begin, the only legal way to purchase marijuana in Ohio is through the state’s medical marijuana program. Medical marijuana has been legal since 2016, and qualifying patients can buy cannabis from licensed dispensaries across the state.

If you have a qualifying medical condition, you can apply for a medical marijuana card through services like Ohio 420 Doctors. With a medical card, you can legally purchase products such as flower, oils, edibles, and more from state-licensed dispensaries.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Ohio

To obtain a medical marijuana card in Ohio, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be an Ohio resident with a valid state ID.
• You must have a qualifying medical condition, such as chronic pain, PTSD, cancer, epilepsy, or more.
• You must be evaluated by a certified physician who can recommend medical marijuana.

Services like Ohio 420 Doctors offer telehealth consultations, allowing you to complete the entire process online for $189. If you already have a card and need to renew it, renewals are available for $149.

What Does the Future Hold for Cannabis in Ohio?

With the passage of Issue 2 and the legalization of personal possession and cultivation, Ohio is moving toward a more progressive stance on cannabis. While recreational sales are still pending, the state is poised to join other states that have established thriving, regulated cannabis markets.

The benefits of legalizing recreational marijuana are significant, including potential tax revenue, job creation, and the reduction of marijuana-related arrests. However, it’s important for Ohio residents to stay informed about the legal changes as they unfold and wait for the official start of recreational sales before attempting to purchase cannabis from unlicensed sources.

Conclusion

Ohio has taken a major step toward legalizing marijuana with the approval of Issue 2, allowing adults to possess and cultivate small amounts of cannabis starting in December 2023. However, the sale of recreational marijuana is not expected to begin until late 2024 or early 2025, after the state establishes its regulatory framework.

In the meantime, Ohio residents with qualifying medical conditions can legally purchase cannabis through the state’s medical marijuana program. If you’re interested in applying for a medical marijuana card, visit Ohio 420 Doctors to schedule your online consultation today.