Get ready, Buckeye State! The countdown has begun for the highly anticipated debut of legal marijuana sales in Ohio! Here’s a friendly guide to help you navigate through this exciting change and find out when you can finally get your hands on some legal green.

First things first: What does this mean for Ohio residents? On September 8, 2016, Ohioans voted “yes” to Issue 3, which would have allowed monopolistic cultivation of marijuana, but the courts later struck it down. In its place, we now have House Bill 523, which legalized medical marijuana in Ohio for patients with qualifying conditions. Fast forward to December 2016, when the State began accepting applications for licenses to grow and process marijuana.

Fast forward a bit more (we’re almost there!), and on January 16, 2019, the first cultivator in Ohio was approved – Greenleaf Applied Technologies LLC. Since then, several other cultivators have been licensed, and dispensaries are eagerly preparing to open their doors.

So when can you buy legal marijuana in Ohio? The timeline for retail sales is as follows:

1. Phase 1: Provisional Patient Registry Identification Cards were made available starting on October 17, 2018. These cards will allow patients with qualifying conditions to access medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries once they open. Phase 1 of retail sales is expected to start in the first quarter of 2021.

2. Phase 2: This phase includes the sale of flower, edibles, oils, and other forms of cannabis products. The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program (OMMCP) has been working hard to establish testing labs for these products. Phase 2 retail sales are expected to begin in the second half of 2021.

3. Phase 3: This phase is when adult-use marijuana will become legal, though that’s a topic for another day (stay tuned!).

Remember, medical marijuana is only available for Ohioans with qualifying conditions such as AIDS, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic trauma, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, PTSD, Tourette syndrome, and other debilitating diseases or conditions that produce cachexia, severe pain, severe nausea, seizures, or spasticity.

As the Ohio marijuana industry grows, it’s essential to stay informed about local laws and regulations. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

– Possession Limits: Qualifying patients can possess up to a 90-day supply of marijuana based on their physician’s recommendation, but the exact amount will depend on the form of cannabis (e.g., flower vs. edibles).
– Quantity per Purchase: You can purchase up to a 35-day supply at one time.
– Cultivation: Home cultivation is currently prohibited for personal use, but this may change in the future.

As Ohio embraces the green rush, it’s an exciting time for patients and potential entrepreneurs alike. Stay tuned for updates on adult-use marijuana and more! We’re looking forward to a bright, budding future here in the Buckeye State.