Ohio’s adult-use cannabis market is on track to launch in mid-June after lawmakers in the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review advanced the industry’s proposed regulations, the Associated Press reports.
State voters passed a cannabis legalization proposal last year which took effect in December, granting adults aged 21+ the right to possess, consume, and cultivate cannabis at home. But the voter-approved law also called for a fully operational and regulated adult-use market by September 7, which lawmakers have been working toward for months.
The new rules would create a dual-licensing program wherein existing medical cannabis dispensaries would be allowed to service the new, adult-use market. With the rules advancing on Monday, the application period for dual licenses allowing adult-use sales could open by June 7.
Tom Haren, spokesperson for the Ohio Cannabis Coalition, said in the report that he expects most of Ohio’s medical cannabis dispensaries will apply to be dual licensees. And future licensees will be ready quickly, he said.
“Our members have obviously been anticipating the rollout of adult-use sales. They’ve been working on getting processes in place, making whatever changes they need to to procedures. We’re really excited.” — Haren, via the AP
Gov. Mike DeWine (R) in February urged state lawmakers to let medical dispensaries service adult-use customers.
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