TOLEDO, Ohio — On Tuesday, many Ohioans visited dispensaries to purchase adult-use cannabis for the first time. It marked the first day that dispensaries issued dual-use permits by the state were allowed to sell cannabis products for recreational purposes.
One of the dispensaries, Zen Leaf in Bowling Green, is welcoming first time buyers along with people who are familiar with the process.
David Schneider, the director of retail audits and store operations with Verano and Zen Leaf, said they want it to be easy and simple.
“The whole process is a cannabis journey, right?" Schneider said. "So we’ll start with maybe asking some questions about your experience with cannabis thus far, so that we can help guide you and recommend correct product that is best suited for you."
The process to purchase recreational marijuana is slightly similar to the process to purchase medical marijuana, in which customers are greeted in, asked for their ID and then brought into a separate room where they can select what they would like.
At Zen Leaf, the room has a panel that shows buyers their options and what ingredients are put into the product.
Buyers who spoke with WTOL 11 said that it was a simple process.
“It was real friendly. They’re eager to help," one customer said. "If you’re confused about buying anything, they’ll let you know."
Another customer agreed.
“It was pretty intimidating," the customer said. "It is a lot of stuff in there and they’re like 'over here, over here,' but once we got one person helping us out, it was very smooth."
Buyers said that there is also a price difference compared to neighboring states, with Ohio prices for recreational marijuana being more expensive than those in Michigan.
However, it is against the law to purchase recreational marijuana in one state and bring it to another, even if it is legal in both states like in Michigan and Ohio.
Schneider said they are prioritizing medical customers before assisting recreational consumers at the time.