CINCINNATI (WKRC) – It’s been about four months since Ohio dispensaries began selling recreational weed, but changes could be coming to the program in the coming months.
One thing remains certain: there won’t be any new licenses granted for dual-use dispensaries until at least September 2026, according to the Ohio Department of Commerce.
That doesn’t mean there won’t be any new dispensaries opening before then, however. About 120 existing medical dispensaries began selling recreational cannabis, and many of those operators also received licenses for potential future dual-use locations on a provisional basis.
That includes the operators of Uplift dispensaries in Milford and Mt. Orab, who received two more licenses but haven’t decided when to open new locations. A spokesman for Gov. Mike DeWine also said that there are no plans for recreational-use-only dispensaries, which is something cannabis advocates also don’t expect.
“There will not be adult-use-only licenses offered in any amount of time that we are aware of yet,” said Gabrielle Dion, founder of MedicateOH, an Anderson Township nonprofit supporting the cannabis industry.
The current rules could also see some changes in the coming months. Both DeWine and top GOP lawmakers want to lower the number of plants people can grow at home from a maximum of 12 and lower the potency available for recreational use to below what’s available for medical patients.
A spokesman for Senate President Matt Huffman, who is set to become house speaker in January, confirmed that’s a top priority for the next legislative session.
Simon Dunkle, executive director of the Ohio Branch of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), said that cannabis advocates are gearing up for a fight.
“At some point, it becomes about voters’ rights. It’s no longer about marijuana,” said Dunkle.
Dion with MedicateOH concurred, saying:
“The industry is, of course, widely for the broader legalization, but the details matter. And some of the details we’re seeing right now will be hotly contested in the coming months and years.”
Ohio dispensaries have sold $203 million worth of recreational cannabis since August.
DeWine is also asking the legislature to restrict or ban products that include THC derived from hemp plants, also known as Delta 8. Those include gummies, vapes, and even seltzer drinks. Wednesday was the second to last day of the lame duck session, with only one more voting day scheduled for next week.
One thing remains certain, there won’t be any new licenses granted for dual-use dispensaries until at least September 2026. Read More
