COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Ohio is moving closer to legalized sales of recreational marijuana, and current dispensaries are hopeful the first pot purchases could be days away.
The state’s Division of Cannabis Control began accepting applications for dual-use cannabis licenses Friday.
Only the existing 126 medical marijuana dispensaries across Ohio can apply for recreational sales, and the division will review the applications in the order that they are received.
Exactly when recreational sales will begin is unclear.
The marijuana law voters approved last November requires the licenses to be issued by Sept. 7 as long as requirements for staffing, security, point-of-sale standards, inspections, and more are met.
However, current medical marijuana licensees who have already met the requirements for dual-use licensure and have their points-of-sale properly configured are anticipated to have a much quicker turnaround for issuance of a Certificate of Operation,” according to the Ohio Department of Commerce.
The co-owner of King City Garden in Cincinnati told WKRC the division could approve the first licenses in a matter of days.
They’re hoping for a week or less of turnaround time for the ones that are prepared,” Caveh Azadeh said.
Department of Commerce spokesperson Jamie Crawford told ABC 6/FOX 28 there won’t be a singular day when