New Timeline: Ohio Recreational Sales Expected in September

Although it’s legal for adults over the age of 21 to use and possess marijuana in Ohio, there are currently no recreational dispensaries at which to purchase the product.

That’s something Ohio marijuana regulators are hoping to change soon.

At a meeting in Columbus earlier this week, representatives of the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control discussed the process of approving licenses and the current timeline.

Officials said the 120 medicinal dispensaries currently operating in the state can apply for a dual-use license in order to sell both medical and recreational marijuana. They expect these licenses to be approved and dispensaries able to sell cannabis products to adults 21 and older by September 8th.

More recreational licenses will be issued in the future as well. Officials say there will be at least 300 licenses for recreational use, including 50 granted specifically for minorities and other specific groups operating by September 2026.

“I think this year in the next few months you’re going to start to see things pick up. There’s going to be a switch flip and sales are going to be open and you’re going to have a program right out of the gate,” said Pete Nischt, vice president of compliance and communications at Klutch Cannabis and Citizen by Klutch.