Ohio Legislative Panel Takes Next Step Toward Recreational Marijuana Sales

COLUMBUS, OH – Medical marijuana companies in Ohio are preparing to make the transition into recreational cannabis sales, according to the Statehouse News Bureau.

The state legislature’s Joint Committee On Agency Rule Review has given final approval to regulations establishing adult-use sales in medical cannabis dispensaries, which could begin as early as next month.

Ohio voters approved a measure legalizing marijuana that went into effect last December. Starting May 27, medical dispensaries can begin applying for dual licenses to sell cannabis products to adult, non-medical customers.  They can begin sales once they are approved.  There will also be applications available for companies that only want to sell recreational marijuana.

Rep. Jamie Callender (R-Concord), co-chair of the joint committee on agency rule review, said he was told by the Division of Cannabis Control that applications will be on a fast track.

“I’ve been assured they will be reviewed very quickly once they are filled out and returned, and they will be fairly straightforward,” Callender said.  He added that sales could begin by mid-June.

“We will as soon as possible put in our application for dual use operations at all of our active licenses,” said Brandon Nemec, government and regulatory affairs director for PharmaCann, a medical marijuana cultivation facility.

Other firms are also preparing for recreational marijuana sales and are expecting an influx of customers once they are open for business.

“We’re expecting big crowds, we’re expecting big numbers,” said Jason Erkes, spokesperson for marijuana wholesaler and retailer Sunnyside. “We’ll be ready to go the second we get permission to sell. And we will be welcoming people into our stores with open arms.”

Last month, the state’s Division of Cannabis Control introduced over a dozen new regulations for dispensaries to adhere to in order to receive their licenses.

Cannabutter Digest has all the news you need to stay up to date on the latest cannabis industry trends. Check back often for delicious recipes, exciting new products, and more of the news you can use!