Can Kentuckians buy marijuana in Ohio?
Ohio just became the 24th state to legalize recreational marijuana. Issue 2, approved by Ohio voters on November 8th, will allow adults 21 and older to buy, possess and grow marijuana. Naturally, neighboring states like Indiana and Kentucky are anxious to partake in recreational sales once they begin in 2024…but will they be allowed to?
Kentuckians can most likely buy marijuana in Ohio
Ohio's Issue 2 ballot language does not have restrictions on who can buy or possess marijuana in the state, as long as they're at least 21 years old.
That's similar to the vast majority of recreational marijuana programs, which allow marijuana sales to anyone over the age of 21.
Michigan is a prime example of a successful recreational program. The state legalized marijuana in 2018 and started selling it in 2019. It doesn't keep track of out-of-state purchasers, but some dispensaries along the state’s southern border say about 50% of their business comes from out-of-state buyers, the Detroit Free Press reported.
Ohio state legislators might be able to put some additional restrictions on sales after the law is passed. This would appear unlikely to happen.
Can I bring marijuana back to Kentucky?
Marijuana is illegal to buy, sell and possess in Kentucky – unless you have a qualifying medical condition and meet other requirements.
Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order in 2022 that allows people with a qualifying medical condition, including cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder, and chronic pain, to possess up to 8 ounces of marijuana, as long as they can prove it was legally purchased.
So, as long as you have a detailed receipt and proof of one of the medical conditions (requiring written certification by a healthcare provider), law enforcement has been instructed by the governor to release you. To get approved, you can schedule an appointment with one of our medical marijuana doctors and get approved.
Otherwise, you could face 45 days in jail and a $250 fine for having less than 8 ounces of the drug, according to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, which lobbies for the legalization of marijuana use and tracks marijuana laws.
When will recreational sales begin in Ohio?
No one knows the exact date recreational sales will begin, but most are expecting recreational marijuana to be available in early 2024.
The Division of Cannabis Control must first set rules on licensing, product standards, packaging and more. The state has nine months to issue the first round of licenses to marijuana growers, processors and dispensaries. Those licenses will go to existing medical marijuana businesses and eligible operators under the social equity program.
The state can't award additional licenses for another two years.
"It takes a minute to get everything in place," said Brian Kessler, CEO of Youngstown-based Riviera Creek, a medical marijuana cultivator. "At this point, what we are anticipating is somewhere between mid-summer to mid-fall is when it will actually start becoming a reality. It doesn’t happen on Nov. 30."