Ohio One Step Closer to Legal Cannabis Sales Under Newly Unveiled Rules

Ohio cannabis regulators last week released the latest draft rules for the state’s adult-use cannabis program, 21-WFMJ reports.

Under the draft rules unveiled on April 3, only individuals aged 21+ or medical cannabis patients are allowed to enter licensed dispensaries, and the retailers must be located at least 500 feet away from schools, public libraries, and public parks and playgrounds. The latest draft rules also allow for legal online sales with in-store or curbside pick-up — the rules also allow for drive-up windows at licensed cannabis retailers but they do not currently contain home delivery provisions, the report said. There is, however, potential for self-serve kiosks so long as they are limited to the dispensary’s physical premises.

The new rules also contain specific rules for handling industry waste, requiring cannabis waste to be “rendered unusable” by mixing the product with at least 51% of something else such as paper or compost, the report said. Licensees will need to keep track of how, why, and when their cannabis products were destroyed, and the disposal process will need to be carried out under video surveillance.

Under the rules, Ohio cannabis regulators are expected to begin processing applications in June with the first licenses expected sometime in late summer or early fall.

Under the cannabis legalization proposal approved by voters last year, adults aged 21+ are allowed to purchase and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and grow their own plants at home.

Gov. Mike DeWine in February called on lawmakers to pass a Senate-approved bill to let medical dispensaries begin serving adult-use customers but the House has failed to take up the issue so far.