Ohio on the Brink of Recreational Marijuana Sales, but Some Suburbs Opt Out
08/08/2024
Recreational marijuana sales are set to begin in Ohio any day now, with the Division of Cannabis Control (DCC) receiving nearly 200 applications from dispensaries so far. However, some Ohio suburbs are taking a cautious approach by enacting moratoriums on pot sales. According to the Moritz College of Law, as of July 19, 68 active local moratoriums have been enacted by Ohio jurisdictions, including several in Central Ohio.
Granville Township is one such suburb that has decided to wait for more guidance from the state before allowing recreational marijuana sales within its boundaries. Bryn Bird, a Granville Township Trustee, explained that while 54% of township residents voted for Issue 2 in November, the township believes it is in the best interest of residents to wait until there is more clarity on taxation and revenue sharing. Bird emphasized that these revenues could help the community with parks and infrastructure development.
Sunnyside Dispensary spokesman Jason Erkes acknowledged that debates over adult-use sales are expected in states that have recently passed new marijuana laws. He pointed to the example of Naperville, Illinois, where the city initially opted out of permitting recreational marijuana sales but later saw a major boost in tax revenue after opting in. Erkes suggested that communities that initially opt-out may reconsider their stance once they see the benefits of tax revenue and how it can be used to improve their communities.
Newark City Council has taken a different approach by limiting the number of locations where recreational marijuana can be sold. The ordinance passed by the council allows only the existing medical marijuana facilities in Newark to obtain dual-use licenses. Westerville City Council, on the other hand, has enacted a moratorium on recreational cannabis sales, giving the city more time to gather data and monitor developments at the state level.
The DCC has received 230 applications to convert active medical marijuana licensees to dual-use cannabis licensees and 190 additional dispensary licenses authorized by the initiated statute. The division has notified 34 facilities that they have been issued a Certificate of Operation, including 15 cultivators, 15 processors, and four testing labs.
As Ohio prepares for the launch of recreational marijuana sales, the DCC has emphasized that there will be no single day when sales begin. Instead, it will be up to the retailers to decide when they will begin sales based on staffing, stock, and other considerations. Given the foundation already laid through the Medical Marijuana Control Program, current medical permit holders positioned to apply for dual-use status are anticipated to have a much quicker turnaround for the issuance of licenses.
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Granville Township is one such suburb that has decided to wait for more guidance from the state before allowing recreational marijuana sales within its boundaries. Bryn Bird, a Granville Township Trustee, explained that while 54% of township residents voted for Issue 2 in November, the township believes it is in the best interest of residents to wait until there is more clarity on taxation and revenue sharing. Bird emphasized that these revenues could help the community with parks and infrastructure development.
Sunnyside Dispensary spokesman Jason Erkes acknowledged that debates over adult-use sales are expected in states that have recently passed new marijuana laws. He pointed to the example of Naperville, Illinois, where the city initially opted out of permitting recreational marijuana sales but later saw a major boost in tax revenue after opting in. Erkes suggested that communities that initially opt-out may reconsider their stance once they see the benefits of tax revenue and how it can be used to improve their communities.
Newark City Council has taken a different approach by limiting the number of locations where recreational marijuana can be sold. The ordinance passed by the council allows only the existing medical marijuana facilities in Newark to obtain dual-use licenses. Westerville City Council, on the other hand, has enacted a moratorium on recreational cannabis sales, giving the city more time to gather data and monitor developments at the state level.
The DCC has received 230 applications to convert active medical marijuana licensees to dual-use cannabis licensees and 190 additional dispensary licenses authorized by the initiated statute. The division has notified 34 facilities that they have been issued a Certificate of Operation, including 15 cultivators, 15 processors, and four testing labs.
As Ohio prepares for the launch of recreational marijuana sales, the DCC has emphasized that there will be no single day when sales begin. Instead, it will be up to the retailers to decide when they will begin sales based on staffing, stock, and other considerations. Given the foundation already laid through the Medical Marijuana Control Program, current medical permit holders positioned to apply for dual-use status are anticipated to have a much quicker turnaround for the issuance of licenses.
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