OHIO, USA — The wait is now over, recreational sales of marijuana kicked off in Ohio beginning on Aug. 6.
This comes after the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control issued its list of first dual-use certificates.
The agency said this list came out a month ahead of the deadline on Sept. 7. The deadline was outlined in the statute passed by Ohio voters back in November 2023.
One of those companies to receive certificates is RISE Dispensaries. They have five locations across the state, including in Toledo on West Sylvania Avenue.
The very first recreational customer at Rise said it's been a long time coming but she's happy the day is finally here, and on her birthday.
"It's just a great step forward. It's great for people to have access to things that make them feel better like physically, mentally, emotionally. Or, you know, just have a good time. I mean, people have been doing it with alcohol for years and it's time for marijuana to be a part of the picture too," said Melissa Nickel Toledo Resident.
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According to an Ohio State University study, the state could see a tax revenue anywhere from around $276 million to about $403 million within the next five years.
Local dispensaries have prepared for a boom in business.
"So, we got people calling and verifying, we got people checking our hours. Phone's been of the hook all day," said Zach Gergich the manager of Nectar dispensary. "We're excited for the morning. We've been staffing, training, and purchasing a lot too so we're definitely not going to run out."
So, what can the average Ohioan purchase?
Consumers can purchase one ounce of dried plant material, ten units of vape oil or ten packages of edibles totaling no more than 11 hundred milligrams of THC.
You cannot purchase the max of these options at one time.
Ohio state lawmakers say the tax revenue from these sales will go back into the state, starting with people previously criminalized for marijuana.
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