Five months after Ohio voted to legalize adult-use cannabis, the state’s Division of Cannabis Control (DCC) has introduced a string of new rules for cannabis sales.
Despite the new rules edging the state closer to establishing a fully-fledged recreational market, Ohian’s are still unable to purchase cannabis legally as legislation continues to be stuck in deadlock in the House.
On April 03, 2024, new regulations were published stipulating that only those over 21 will be able to access cannabis dispensaries, unless they have a medical prescription.
These new regulations also covered online sales. While no home delivery will be allowed, anyone who can provide proof of age and identity will be able to click and collect cannabis online. Self-service kiosks and drive up windows may also be made available at cannabis dispensaries.
Rules around dispensary locations were also laid out, with businesses selling cannabis now required to be 500ft from schools, public libraries, playgrounds and parks.
Despite voting by 57% to legalize adult-use cannabis last November, the DCC says it now plans to approve the first round of dispensary licenses by September 7.
This first tranche of licences will be granted to existing medical cannabis dispensaries seeking to break into the emerging adult-use market.
None of these rules have yet been finalized, and members of the public have until April 17 to comment on them.
It comes after the state Senate passed a proposal in December to allow medical dispensaries to begin selling adult-use cannabis immediately, in an effort to speed up access for voters.
However, as this amendment also sought to limit home grow, reduce THC levels and heavily restrict vapes, among dozens of other changes to the original bill, the House is refusing to move forward with it, arguing it goes against the will of the people.
According to The Ohio Capital Journal, during an update to reporters last week, House Speaker Jason Stephens explained there is no agreement on policy within the GOP.
“Getting a consensus on what that action will be in the House is probably not going to happen. I think there’s been a lot of discussion and talk within the House — within the Republican caucus, frankly — and getting those to where we have a consensus of saying ‘this is what needs to be different than what the people passed.’”
