On 6/26/2024 at 9:36 PM, GCrites said:

You know I always wondered why a town like Wintersville was getting so much action without thinking about WV and PA.

Right. And they are likely to get much more "action" whenever retail sales finally begin. Fortunately, they do have a generous sized parking lot and, if like retail dispensaries in places like Michigan, the same entry security checkpoint will remain to make sure only adults with proper ID will be allowed entry. As mentioned, I expect any influx of out of state customers will be temporary. Then again, according to an article I just read, Ohio legislators yet again stalled and declined to approve a final codified version of Initiative No.2 and were dismissed for the Summer recess. There seems to be some who think the goal of this stall tactic is to await the results of this November's elections when those in the prohibitionist camp hope a new administration and new Congressional members might repeal or recriminalize Cannabis in those states where it's been voted legal. The effort to reclassify Marijuana as a DEA Schedule III drug from its previous harsher Schedule I status has been stalled for months by opponents of this Schedule status change. Cannabis should have never been politicized-no one claims that Democrats or Republicans are more in favor of alcohol consumption. But here we are living in a time where everything is subject to political considerations and manipulations.

When Can You Buy Legal Recreational Marijuana in Ohio? Soon.

 

Ohioans will likely be able to legally purchase recreational marijuana sooner than initially expected. 

 

The state Division of Cannabis Control recently awarded about 60 dual-use provisional licenses to various medical marijuana dispensaries, cultivators, laboratories and processors, according to the state’s online database. Thirty-one dispensaries, 15 cultivators, 11 processors and five laboratories received licenses. 

 

However, a dual-use provisional license does not automatically allow the sale of recreational marijuana, according to an email from Jamie Crawford, spokesman for the Division of Cannabis Control.

 

Rather, it acts as a placeholder while the business works to get a Certificate of Operation by meeting various requirements including having an inspection and demonstrating that employees can tell the difference between medical and recreational sales. 

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/when-can-you-buy-legal-recreational-marijuana-in-ohio-soon-ocj1/

Where JD Vance stands on the Cannabis issue

 

From this article in the online Blog, Marijuana Moment: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/where-trumps-vice-presidential-running-mate-j-d-vance-stands-on-marijuana/?  it's very clear that Vance is on the Prohibitionist side of the issue. Pity that the Cannabis issue had to, like so many other things, become politicized in the first place. Mr. Vance seems to ignore there being any medical value to Cannabis despite a majority of states having Medical Marijuana programs in place and hundreds of thousands of patients. He says he dislikes the smell of burning weed which is about the only thing I can agree with him on the issue.

Vance is already in a precarious position with the Harley Guys due to his personality unlike Trump who prioritizes them. The Harley Guys want legal weed. So do the "incels".

I guess this could go here (?)

 

Ohio GOP Wants More Regulation on Hemp Products

 

As Ohioans wait to legally purchase recreational-use marijuana, Republican lawmakers in both chambers of the General Assembly are trying to regulate adult-use hemp products. 

 

State Rep. Sara Carruthers, R-Hamilton, introduced House Bill 642 on Thursday which would require the Ohio Director of Agriculture to issue recommendations for adult-use hemp products. 

 

If the bill were to pass, the Director of Agriculture (who is currently Brian Baldridge) would conduct and issue a report to the General Assembly about the “sale and use of hemp products that could be used for intoxicating purposes.” The report would be in consultation with the Ohio Department of Public Safety. 

 

The report could include:

• A definition of adult-use hemp products that could include restrictions on the amount of THC allowed in adult-use hemp products based on serving size.
• Where adult-use hemp products may be sold and how those products are stored. 
• Minimum age requirements to purchase adult-use hemp.
• Penalties for selling adult-use hemp products to someone who is underage. 
• Testing standards and requirements for adult-use hemp products. 
• Advertising restrictions and labeling requirements for adult-use hemp products.
• How to enforce these recommendations, which could be giving inspection authority to the Ohio Investigative Unit in the Department of Public Safety. 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/ohio-gop-wants-more-regulation-on-hemp-products-ocj1/

In the absence of available legal adult use weed, quasi-legal hemp products and Delta-8 THC containing derivatives have appeared in the marketplace at vape and smoke shops, convenience stores, and even liquor outlets. I recall a few decades ago, there was a product called K-2 which was sold as a marijuana substitute but it was soon added to the banned substances list.  A few years ago, products claiming to contain Delta-8 T.H.C. appeared in the retail marketplace and only because it couldn't be classified as the then illegal Delta-9 T.H.C. containing products, it was legally tolerated. Those in the regulating business have finally gotten around to addressing concerns about Hemp and Hemp derivative products but from what you've shared, it looks like some Hemp products will be allowed in Ohio provided they meet that same standards as the now legal Marijuana products with Delta-9 T.H.C.. Other states have enacted bans and regulation laws pertaining to Hemp/Delta-8 products.

 

Along the same lines...I recall soon after Initiative No. 2 passed (in November of 2023) that a lot of speculation about the timing and rollout of retail adult use sales in Ohio was being aired. The most pessimistic opinions suggested it would take the better part of a year for legal retail (Adult use) Marijuana to become available in Ohio. Unfortunately, that has proven to be the case with it now looking like September will be the earliest time for retail sales to begin although preliminary Dispensary permits have been issued.  Final passage of the Initiative No. 2 Bill is still in limbo in the Statehouse facing political opposition from one political party who perhaps hopes that Cannabis prohibition can somehow be reinstated after the November elections. That blockage extends to the Federal level where the DEA's obligation to reschedule Marijuana from Schedule I, the most restricted, to Schedule III, which is the least restrictive, also remains in limbo. Until the Scheduling change takes place, Marijuana/Cannabis businesses aren't allowed use of the Federal banking system because Schedule I drugs are all illegal and considered to have no medical value. Thus businesses that sell Cannabis products are subject to Federal seizure/forfeiture laws for selling Federally illegal substances. That places an added burden on such businesses to use a cash only business model while liquor stores have no such restrictions.  In hindsight, I'm glad I renewed my medical MJ card earlier this year. Perhaps next year that won't be necessary, but then again it would be foolish of me to speculate what lies ahead in the coming months and years. It may take decades for Cannabis/Marijuana to be seen in the same light as alcohol products. In the meantime, some states are seeing tax windfalls from their prosperous Cannabis businesses but in Ohio, retail sales remain pending.  I suspect September may finally be the rollout month for retails sales but I'm not holding my breath. I await a word from any Forumers who have been allowed non-medical Cannabis retail sales. Those who like the Delta-8/Hemp derivatives had better stock up before they disappear from retail store shelves. Better yet would be to grow your own as permitted by State law but even that isn't without its inherent problems.

Time for Nit-Picking

The glacially slow rollout of Ohio's legal recreational Marijuana sales continues. Some folks on the regulatory side have apparently contemplated and considered every conceivable situation and put those thoughts into codified form. For example: 

"One way that the division (Department of Cannabis Control) is preparing prospective dual licensees is by reminding them of what they can and can’t do to mark their opening day. For example, businesses cannot allow on-site consumption, offer samples (infused or non-infused), have music or food trucks outside the shop, promote the opening with celebratory decor on the exterior or hold a ribbon cutting ceremony outside.

However, they are permitted to have music inside as long as it’s not a live performance. They can also offer complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and promote the opening by holding a ribbon cutting ceremony inside the dispensary." (Courtesy of the online blog, Marijuana Minute) More article details: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/ohio-marijuana-officials-send-guidance-to-dispensaries-on-rules-for-opening-day-sales-events-advertising-and-more-ahead-of-market-launch/?

 

Sounds like opening day for legal adult Cannabis sales in Ohio will be a whole lot of fun, doesn't it? (all that's missing are black armbands and some requisite funeral dirges) As before, the GOP majority Ohio House continues to stall final passage of the 2023 legalization Bill perhaps hoping that Federal Marijuana Law changes (from MJ being classified as a DEA Schedule I drug to a more lenient Schedule III status) won't happen, and after the November elections, the political tide will turn and Marijuana Prohibition can be reinstated. Most of the legislative effort going on right now is focused on legislation "to regulate or prohibit the sale of intoxicating Hemp-derived Cannabinoids such as Delta-8 T.H.C.. " In the meantime, some States where MJ has been legal for a while are allowing Marijuana Lounges, (much like the Amsterdam MJ Coffee Shops in the Netherlands) where people can partake Marijuana in a social setting, to open up. I probably won't live long enough to see that happen in the Buckeye State, but even legalization in our state would have seemed unlikely several years ago. There are even rules about how the Media outlets can cover opening day events but still, (as of July 30) there's no set date for when sales can begin.

 

 

 

 

 

Is dancing also forbidden?

41 minutes ago, GCrites said:

Is dancing also forbidden?

Only if they're Baptists.

It's Official: Ohio legal adult use Marijuana Sales begin tomorrow

 

It's official: Tuesday August 6 will be the first day of legal recreational Marijuana sales in Ohio. Article courtesy of the online Blog, Marijuana Minute:  https://www.marijuanamoment.net/ohios-first-adult-use-marijuana-dispensaries-set-to-open-next-week-businesses-say/?     Remember, no outdoor partying or festivities for this solemn, serious occasion. (no giggling or laughing either! ) I hope once adult sales become normalized that the new market will become more positive and upbeat. I speculate if sales take off and tax revenue starts rolling into state coffers that in hindsight some will wonder what all of the fuss was about. There's still the unfinished Initiative #2  legislative business in the Statehouse as well as the unnecessary delay of rescheduling Marijuana at the Federal level from the severely restrictive DEA Schedule I to the more lenient Schedule III. In summary, much work remains to be done but at least for Ohio, this new market represents progress. If you don't see much in the Media about this event, don't be surprised-there are restrictions on what can be covered and no advertising is allowed. I recall seeing large roadside 420 festivities billboards in Michigan but unlikely we'll see those in Ohio for another decade, if ever. Remember to act responsibly as everyone is watching to see how this new market launches.

YAY!!!

These Columbus-area dispensaries can sell recreational pot Tuesday

 

Just over half of the medical marijuana dispensaries in Central Ohio were OK'd to start recreational sales to adults on Tuesday.

 

Among those that have to wait, but could start later this week: The only dispensaries in Delaware and Fairfield counties, and two of the three in Newark.

...

In Columbus:

• Amplify, 5304 N. Hamilton Road, owned by Eastlake, Ohio-based Buckeye Relief.
• Bloom Medicinals, 1361 Georgesville Road, owned by Boca Raton, Florida-based Bloom Medicinals.
• Botanist, 115 Vine St., owned by New York City-based Acreage Holdings Inc.
• Herbal Wellness Center (formerly Strawberry Fields), 2950 E. Main St., owned by Arizona-based Vext Science Inc.
• The Landing Dispensary, 724 W. Gay St., owned by Huron, Ohio-based Firelands Scientific.
• Nar Reserve, 350 E. Long St., owned by Michigan-based Nar Cannabis.
• Terrasana, 656 Grandview Ave., locally owned.
• Trulieve, 2950 N. High St., owned by Tallahassee, Florida-based Trulieve Cannabis Corp.
• Trulieve, 8295 Sancus Blvd., owned by Tallahassee, Florida-based Trulieve Cannabis Corp.
• Verdant Creations, 1243 N. Cassady Ave., owned by Westerville-based Hondros Family of Companies.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/08/05/ohio-columbus-adult-marijuana-sales.html

Recreational Marijuana Goes on Sale in Ohio This Week

 

Ohioans will be able to legally purchase recreational marijuana starting this week.

 

The state’s first recreational marijuana sales will take place Tuesday at some dispensaries across the state, sources confirmed to the Ohio Capital Journal.  

 

“We are stepping into a new future for Ohio where citizens will have access to safe products and communities will feel the benefits of this growing industry through tax revenue and job opportunities,” Ohio Cannabis Coalition Spokesperson Tom Haren said in an email.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/recreational-marijuana-goes-on-sale-in-ohio-this-week-ocj1/

According the the Marijuana Minute Blog, 98 Ohio dispensaries will be open and available for sales today:  https://www.marijuanamoment.net/heres-where-you-can-buy-recreational-marijuana-in-ohio-starting-this-week/?     Others await final approval or completion of other regulatory compliance details before they can sell adult use Cannabis.  The Division of Cannabis Control has a list of dispensaries as well. Given that Ohio has had medical Marijuana for a number of years, I don't expect initial sales to be robust. However, Midwestern States can be surprising-Michigan outsold California in recent months. Good luck fellow Ohioans as you can now enjoy this added recreational freedom. A lot of people paid their dues along the way to help get us here over the years. Never say never...

The non-Michigan border states are going to be seeing a lot of Steubenville, Warren, St. Clairsville, Marietta, and, well, Cincinnati.

11 hours ago, ColDayMan said:

The non-Michigan border states are going to be seeing a lot of Steubenville, Warren, St. Clairsville, Marietta, and, well, Cincinnati.

The local (WTRF) TV station showed a long line of buyers patiently waiting outside the Wintersville dispensary. Prospective buyers had to have a valid ID checked before they could go inside. I didn't hear anything about out-of-staters making any purchases. BTW, I believe it is a violation of Federal law to purchase MJ legally in one state and then transport it across state lines to a state where it isn't legal. (for recreational Cannabis) That said, I doubt DEA agents would stop Interstate traffic to make sure no one has a quarter ounce of Cannabis from Ohio and taking it home to WV or PA.  Technically, Cannabis may still be classified as Schedule I, but a police officer at a meeting I attended recently mentioned that K-9 Pot sniffing dogs have been retired in states where Cannabis is legal. All that said, I didn't purchase (still have a valid Med MJ card) or even partake today-Cannabis for me is largely a weekend thing. I am happy that others previously excluded, can now legally buy and partake in Ohio without a qualifying medical condition requiring a Med MJ card. Maybe in hindsight the very slow rollout of legal adult Cannabis sales will be seen as a good thing because regulation and taxation (like alcohol) was at the heart of Initiative No. 2 last November. 98 dispensaries still offers many choices for Ohioans depending on where you live. I was out mowing my yard this afternoon and I swear a car went by with a fairly strong burning Cannabis smell- I imagine though that most will celebrate at home. We're still light years away from Cannabis lounges that are opening up in some states.

Edited August 7, 2024Aug 7 by John S.
Typos greater clarity

 

All those lines. I'm not into it enough to stand outside waiting a long time.

 

 

 

Mention was made (shared on the Marijuana Minute Blog) that the first recreational Marijuana sale was made to Republican (yes, GOP) State Representative, Jamie Callender, who purchased some Willie's Reserve grown in Eastlake. To me, that means Marijuana legalization isn't and never should have been a Democrat or Republican issue, but like everything else in this issue driven political year, it has been.  I can personally vouch for Willie's Reserve as excellent based on flavor (Raspberry Parfait, for example) and potency. Willie Nelson was probably smoking Cannabis before many of us were born, yet paradoxically, he hails from Texas which has one of the most stringent Med. Marijuana programs in the country. Willie's been busted multiple times for possession but he remains a steadfast enthusiast of Cannabis and a renowned Country musician-singer, still going in his 90's. I'm relieved that day one of legal recreational Marijuana sales in Ohio went smoothly. As far as waiting in lines, hopefully, that was temporary. I expect if customer volume exceeds expectations that some dispensaries will have to move to larger facilities because no one likes to wait in lines outdoors especially in the dead of an Ohio winter. Bob Saget was hilarious in the video but he makes the important point that Cannabis/Marijuana/Pot should have never been classified as a Schedule I hard drug. At least more people now recognize that as more States vote to legalize or at least allow Medical Marijuana in their State. It would interesting to see where things will be ten years from now.  I'm still surprised no one in the media business has launched a "Pot TV" channel where people under the influence could watch comedies and laugh their asses off. Advertisers could cash in on pitching foods to people with "Munchies". ( I think some fast food chains with home deliveries already do)

Sales of Recreational Marijuana Kick Off in Ohio

 

Boston Grunkemeyer lined up in front of Amplify Dispensary’s Columbus location around 9:45 Tuesday morning and was the store’s first recreational marijuana customer.

 

He doesn’t have a medical marijuana card, but has anxiety and depression.

 

“It’s kind of nice to be able to go towards this if I need to, but also it’s gonna be fun just to be able to enjoy myself with my friends,” Grunkemeyer said.

 

Tuesday has been a long time coming — 57% of Ohioans voted to legalize recreational marijuana in November but there has been nowhere to legally purchase it. Until now. 

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/sales-of-recreational-marijuana-kick-off-in-ohio-ocj1/

Thanks ColDayMan for changing the topic title as the political controversy issue is fading now that legal recreational sales have started. From Aug. 6 to Aug. 10, the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control said the state’s dispensaries racked up $11,530,708 in Rec MJ sales. Article from NBC i Channel 4 in Columbus:  https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/central-ohio-news/hype-isnt-dying-around-ohio-recreational-marijuana-sales-data-shows/   That figure is on par with initial recreational sales results in States like Illinois and Michigan. I saw a clip about Cresco Labs, a major player in the Ohio Cannabis Market (both medical and recreational) announcing plans to expand their growing facilities to accommodate this new expanding market. In practical terms, that means more jobs for Ohioans and some folks in the Statehouse should be pleased to see that the projected tax revenue figures may have been estimated too low. The Statehouse should go ahead, stop stalling, and pass legislation to codify Initiative No 2 into State law. Moreover, on a Federal level, the DEA needs to reschedule Cannabis to Schedule III from the dangerous substance with no medical benefits, Schedule I category which would then allow legal Marijuana businesses to access normal banking channels as well as pay Federal taxes just like liquor companies. At this point in the evolution of legalized Cannabis there's nothing to be gained by stalling or blocking a substance that's now legal in so many States. Florida has Marijuana legalization on the ballot in November but Gov. Desantis opposes it. (so did Gov. Dewine, but he followed the will of Ohio voters to legalize it)

 

Despite gradual changes in attitudes, I still do not know anyone in my community (Cadiz) who uses Cannabis medically or recreationally. There's a small downtown "smoke shop" but they only sell Hemp derivatives which are going to be removed from the market once legislation to curb sales and ban Hemp derivatives (containing Delta-8; Delta-10, etc.) takes place. Gov. Dewine has said he's making it a priority to ban Hemp derivative sales although I haven't heard what the latest developments have been on that issue. Besides, with recreational Cannabis sales now occurring, adding Hemp derivatives almost seems redundant.

Yeah sounds like a beer vs. liquor thing. More stores sell beer than liquor so the dispensaries are like liquor stores whereas the hemp stuff comes from convenience stores like beer does.

Banning Hemp Derivatives may be more challenging because of subtle chemical compound differences. Ever heard of HHCO or HHC? (I hadn't)  Elevate Holistics, a Tusla, OK, based firm, where I've obtained my Ohio Med MJ card for the past three years, has an explanation about these different compounds: https://elevate-holistics.com/blog/hhco-vs-hhc/?utm_source=90 Days Active  The article explains the differences although trying to ban each and every compound would likely require a detailed chemical analysis by a professional chemist. I think I'll stick with the tried and true natural Cannabis from a licensed dispensary and let others experiment with exotic compounds. It seems likely convenience stores or smoke shops will have to explore the legality and safety of these compounds in various products.  Twenty years from now, I would expect to see nationally sold Cannabis brands, pre-rolled like cigarettes, or small containers of branded Cannabis flower, become the norm and they won't be restricted to dispensaries only There's plenty of big Tobacco and big Pharma companies who would love to see that happen. Cannabis is already a multi-billion dollar market that grows with each State that has legalized it.

7 hours ago, John S. said:

Banning Hemp Derivatives may be more challenging because of subtle chemical compound differences. Ever heard of HHCO or HHC? (I hadn't)  Elevate Holistics, a Tusla, OK, based firm, where I've obtained my Ohio Med MJ card for the past three years, has an explanation about these different compounds: https://elevate-holistics.com/blog/hhco-vs-hhc/?utm_source=90 Days Active  The article explains the differences although trying to ban each and every compound would likely require a detailed chemical analysis by a professional chemist. I think I'll stick with the tried and true natural Cannabis from a licensed dispensary and let others experiment with exotic compounds. It seems likely convenience stores or smoke shops will have to explore the legality and safety of these compounds in various products.  Twenty years from now, I would expect to see nationally sold Cannabis brands, pre-rolled like cigarettes, or small containers of branded Cannabis flower, become the norm and they won't be restricted to dispensaries only There's plenty of big Tobacco and big Pharma companies who would love to see that happen. Cannabis is already a multi-billion dollar market that grows with each State that has legalized it.

This is why we need to decriminalize marijuana federally -- so that all of these different compounds can actually be studied to learn what works, for what, and what the side effects are.

16 hours ago, Foraker said:

This is why we need to decriminalize marijuana federally -- so that all of these different compounds can actually be studied to learn what works, for what, and what the side effects are.

 Absolutely agree with you.  Keeping Cannabis in the (dangerous) Schedule I category with Heroin and Fentanyl makes it difficult to conduct legitimate scientific studies and to classify the variety of derivatives and their psychoactive or medicinal effects. Instead, there's the cat and mouse game between makers/sellers of unregulated Hemp derivatives and legislators/enforcement officials. A more comprehensive approach is needed that in the end clearly defines what should be legal and what shouldn't be. Convenience stores and smoke shops shouldn't be testing grounds for unregulated and untested products with their customers serving unwittingly as guinea pigs.

12 minutes ago, John S. said:

 Absolutely agree with you.  Keeping Cannabis in the (dangerous) Schedule I category with Heroin and Fentanyl makes it difficult to conduct legitimate scientific studies and to classify the variety of derivatives and their psychoactive or medicinal effects. Instead, there's the cat and mouse game between makers/sellers of unregulated Hemp derivatives and legislators/enforcement officials. A more comprehensive approach is needed that in the end clearly defines what should be legal and what shouldn't be. Convenience stores and smoke shops shouldn't be testing grounds for unregulated and untested products with their customers serving unwittingly as guinea pigs.

 

It's past time to do that.   Clarence Thomas of all people once hinted in an opinion that the Controlled Substances Act itself might not pass Constitutional muster, though since it had not been directly challenged in the case at hand the Court could not rule that way.

 

As was illustrated in "Tulsa King", it's often just a cash grab for the feds, thanks to "forfeiture".

Ohioans Bought $11.5M Worth of Marijuana in First Week of Recreational Legalization

 

Ohio legal weed sales topped $11.5 million in less than a week. 

 

The state’s total recreational marijuana sales was $11,530,708 as of Aug. 10, according to the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Cannabis Control. Recreational sales started Aug. 6 — eight months after 57% of Ohioans voted to legalize recreational marijuana. The average of price of an ounce of flower was $266 last week, according to the division.

 

There were 173,043 units of manufacturer product sold and 1,285 pounds of plant material, according to the division. 

 

Ohio currently has 120 dual-use dispensaries as of Wednesday, meaning they can sell both medical and non-medical marijuana, according to the division. Ohio had 98 dual-use dispensaries when recreational sales started. 

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/ohioans-bought-11-5-of-marijuana-in-first-week-of-recreation-legalization-ocj1/

For those who may be interested in working in the Ohio Cannabis industry

 

Now that Medical and Recreational Cannabis are both legal to adults in Ohio, a specialized industry with growth potential is unfolding in our State. Zane State College in Zanesville, has announced a 9 week 100% online Cannabis education program beginning on October 7 offering three different certificates: 1. Cannabis Cultivation Specialist; 2.Cannabis Retail Specialist; 3. Cannabis Extraction and Product Development Specialist. For more information visit  https://cannabis.zanestate.edu/     It is designed for online, off-campus students and at least as of right now, (Aug. 23, 2024) as an enticement, a $150 off discount for early enrollment is being offered. Cost for the 9 week program is $750, according to the College website. If you've been interested in working in the Cannabis industry, completing the course and obtaining a certificate should give you an edge.

 

The program is offered with the participation of Green Flower, a nationally recognized Cannabis Industry education firm: (from KGET.com)
Founded in 2014, Green Flower is the industry leader in cannabis education, empowering thousands of consumers, regulators, and professionals with the knowledge they need to succeed in the emerging cannabis industry today. Green Flower's content and technology platform powers the cannabis programs of top universities and colleges across the country, provides customized learning and compliance solutions for cannabis businesses of all sizes, and equips individuals with the skills and credentials necessary to make an impact in the modern cannabis industry.

 

Disclaimer: I have no personal involvement or stake in Zane State College's Cannabis education program. However, I did request more information from their website-which you can too.
 

Based on the course information provided by Zane State College, I went ahead and signed up for the cultivation specialist course. After all, adults are allowed to personally cultivate up to six plants or 12 plants per household if there are at least two adults. On a broader scale, I hope to learn more about the Cannabis industry in Ohio and perhaps meet or become acquainted with others having similar interests. I do believe there's lots of room for business growth in this new legalized environment. Should Cannabis become legalized nationally, I expect some big business interests (Tobacco; Pharma)  to move in to take over market share. However, like fine wines, there are so many hybrids and exotic strains of Cannabis besides the two major strains of Indica (Asia) and Sativa (Americas) that there's going to be room for boutique or specialty cultivators. A few states are now allowing limited marketing of home grown Cannabis in what amounts to local farmers' markets. Still, the safest and most reliable Cannabis product is one regulated by State authorities and has been tested for pesticides and other unwanted substances. Product information is printed right on the packaging.  With homegrown plants, product safety would amount to the level of trust between the grower/seller and buyer. I'm not aware of any allowances for selling home grown under current Ohio Cannabis regulations but it seems possible that it could change over time.

 

On a side note...Donald Trump recently endorsed Marijuana legalization in Florida (his current home state) going against Republican Gov. DeSantis who opposes legalization. The  legalization measure is on the November Florida ballot but has to have a 60% majority of votes to pass. Had that been the case in Ohio when Initiative No 2 was put to vote, Cannabis would still be illegal here except for medical patients. It will be interesting to observe the outcome of that Florida measure although legalization proponents believe the 60% threshold will be reached.

Ohio's turn

Regulators say they’ve learned from mistakes other states have made in the recreational cannabis market and have built a model that works for growers, processors, dispensaries and customers.

 

Curaleaf, the largest U.S. cannabis business, last year exited Michigan, California and three other states where it said the regulatory environment was hurting margins.

 

But it wants to expand in Ohio.

 

Ohioans 21 and older started buying marijuana at licensed dispensaries Aug. 6, one month ahead of the deadline set in the law that 57% of state voters approved last November. 

 

“I’ve been recruited my whole career to either fix really broken programs or stand up brand new programs,” said Jim Canepa, superintendent of the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control. (His last position was directing the state division of liquor control.)

 

“This program (faced) the most intense scrutiny, with the most pressure to ensure safety, security and integrity – in the shortest amount of time – that I’ve ever been faced with,” he said. “Yet probably (it’s) the most successful.”

 

The state’s stepwise regulatory approach to adopting recreational weed should establish a sustainable, rational industry, said operators and the law’s architects.

 

“Ohio will be on a pedestal as one of the most regulated, most functional, well-built industries,” said Jeff McCourt, founder and CEO of Huron-based Firelands Scientific. “That is within our grasp right now.”

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/09/05/ohio-recreational-weed-sales.html

 

One month after legal recreational Cannabis sales launched in Ohio, the recreational sales figures come in at $44 million. (source: Cleveland.com) It appears weekly sales are running at a steady $11 million.  That works out annually to a little over a half billion per year but some months will have greater totals than others. Not bad for a legal market that started from zero dollars in early August. The added Tax revenue will surely help the State budget as well.

9 minutes ago, John S. said:

One month after legal recreational Cannabis sales launched in Ohio, the recreational sales figures come in at $44 million. (source: Cleveland.com) It appears weekly sales are running at a steady $11 million.  That works out annually to a little over a half billion per year but some months will have greater totals than others. Not bad for a legal market that started from zero dollars in early August. The added Tax revenue will surely help the State budget as well.

Certainly some of this is new tax dollars because some of this activity used to occur as illegal transactions. I'd like anestimate of what percentage is formerly illegal purchasing now becoming taxed legal purchases. 

Also, this spending has to come from other activity people used to spend this money on? Will we see a reduction in state sales tax on other vices like alcohol? Will we see a reduction in recreational activity like bowling or movie-going, or even restaurant sales? What percent is money coming in from other states...now that would be additional income to Ohio. But this $44 million dollares of activity didnt just materialize out of thin air.

Black markets aren't going anywhere for a long time: Corporate cannabis is very expensive compared to street purchased.

 

And I don't think anyone's going to bother with studies only a month after legalization. For fun I suppose you could look at restaurant sales, movie ticket sales, tourism, and bowling shoes rentals Y-Y, and make some assumptions, but that data is probably useless.

5 minutes ago, TBideon said:

Black markets aren't going anywhere for a long time: Corporate cannabis is very expensive compared to street purchased.

 

And I don't think anyone's going to bother with studies only a month after legalization. For fun I suppose you could look at restaurant sales, movie ticket sales, tourism, and bowling shoes rentals Y-Y, and make some assumptions, but that data is probably useless.

Im not questioning the good and the value of this new market. Just wondering about specifics. I think theres a lotta skittish folks who once bought from a dealer that are very happy to pay more for legal. 

I'm also interested to see how this may affectcrime stats. Will we see more serious turf wars if we see a significant reduction in the illegal market?

33 minutes ago, TheCOV said:

Im not questioning the good and the value of this new market. Just wondering about specifics. I think theres a lotta skittish folks who once bought from a dealer that are very happy to pay more for legal. 

I'm also interested to see how this may affectcrime stats. Will we see more serious turf wars if we see a significant reduction in the illegal market?

 

Black market pot is often adulterated.  While it's likely perceived that this happens more than it does, that will make it more likely that casual users buy legal.

Another possible "loophole" is in the area of home grown weed. From what I've read, home growers (allowed up to 6 plants individually and a total of 12 in a household) who find themselves with excess plant material are legally allowed to give the excess away for free to eligible adults but are not allowed to receive payment for it. (or even recommended "donations") Large very healthy plants which are grown outdoors can produce a pound or more of product in places like Mendocino County, CA. I expect here in Ohio many home grown plants will produce far less than a pound keeping the grower within legal possession weight limits. As for the illicit market, I'm sure it will adapt and if there's a buck somewhere to be made, they will find it. Legal Medical and Recreational Cannabis cost more but some of that is because of strict State regulatory rules about testing, inspection, tracking, and packaging adding to the cost. In return, you are purchasing a known strain of specific weight with a stated amount of ingredients including THC levels. Purchasing at the street level, the buyer is getting an unknown product only based on the level of trust between he or she and the seller. It's still illegal, by the way. There have been a number of Cannabis product recalls in recent months for mold and other unwanted contaminates but there are no such recalls for street sold products. In summary, the legal market is safer for the consumer than buying cheaper products of unknown origin from a street vendor. I expect over time, as the legal recreational Cannabis market becomes national, that large corporations will use their production economies of scale to help bring down costs to consumers. I'm hoping there will always be room for smaller boutique growers to offer other choices for consumers. Cannabis is unlike Tobacco in that there are so many different strains and hybrids with each having its own characteristics. We are still very early in this evolving market but for now it looks like Ohio has had a successful month long launch of Recreational Marijuana sales.

1 hour ago, TheCOV said:

Certainly some of this is new tax dollars because some of this activity used to occur as illegal transactions. I'd like anestimate of what percentage is formerly illegal purchasing now becoming taxed legal purchases. 

Also, this spending has to come from other activity people used to spend this money on? Will we see a reduction in state sales tax on other vices like alcohol? Will we see a reduction in recreational activity like bowling or movie-going, or even restaurant sales? What percent is money coming in from other states...now that would be additional income to Ohio. But this $44 million dollares of activity didnt just materialize out of thin air.

 

On the other hand people who are high might feel empowered to go out and do things now rather than just sit at home and watch movies since they don't have to worry about getting busted.

23 minutes ago, E Rocc said:

 

Black market pot is often adulterated.  While it's likely perceived that this happens more than it does, that will make it more likely that casual users buy legal.

And that is a primary argument for Cannabis buyers to buy from licensed dispensaries. I've had an Ohio Med MJ card for 3 years and never sought to purchase outside the legally allowed sources. Those who want to argue they can't afford dispensary prices are still permitted to grow their own as previously mentioned. For me, regulated product safety outweighs the extra cost. There are still those who buy Moonshine Whiskey from bootleggers but far more who buy from liquor store outlets. I would like to see a regulatory process in place where private firms would be allowed to cultivate selected strains under state oversight for individuals in exchange for a fee with the product delivered to the customer for a set delivery date at a set price.  Not everyone has a green thumb and if not grown indoors, there's nothing to stop someone from stealing your plants just before harvest time.

Edited September 6, 2024Sep 6 by GCrites

Legal Cannabis Sales totals in Ohio surpass two billion dollars

According to the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Cannabis Control, as of September 7, 2024, the cumulative sales figures since the Medical Marijuana program began in 2019 as well as the legal recreational sales that began on August 7, of this year now total over two billion dollars. Like it or not, Cannabis is now a multi-billion dollar industry in the Buckeye state.  For more information, read the stats on the Department of Commerce's website:  https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/cannabis-control/licensee-resources/what-we-do/dcc-update    Over a million prescriptions have been written for Ohio Medical Marijuana patients. Between the beginning of recreational sales on August 7 to September 7th, $54,649,749 in sales were recorded.  One can only speculate how much money that was previously being funneled to illegal suppliers (including foreign cartels) is now being taxed and added to the State's coffers. Add the additional taxes paid by employees in the industry from state approved growers, to packaging and marketing, as well as dispensary employees, and that represents another substantial State tax revenue stream. Given these impressive results, it would be hard to convincingly argue that things were better when all Cannabis sales were illegal and the unreported proceeds went to criminal enterprises. Today's environment of legal Medical and recreational Marijuana seems like the better of those two scenarios.

Wow!

Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program at Six Years

(article link courtesy of Marijuana Minute online blog) For those who like numbers and statistics, Ohio State University's Moritz College of Law has just published a report studying the results of Ohio's medical Marijuana program at six years: https://moritzlaw.osu.edu/faculty-and-research/drug-enforcement-and-policy-center/research-and-grants/policy-and-data-analyses/ommcp  Among the findings was that 74% or respondents surveyed were satisfied with the program which for government programs is a relatively high percentage. (no pun intended) Among the other findings, prices for Cannabis products have declined slightly but are still above prices per gram unit in States like Michigan. I'm sharing a program satisfaction survey from the published report, below. 

Can't help but laugh at the extreme decline of the number of "extremely dissatisfied" patients after they've been mellowing out for the last 6 years.

On 10/2/2024 at 12:27 PM, taestell said:

Can't help but laugh at the extreme decline of the number of "extremely dissatisfied" patients after they've been mellowing out for the last 6 years.

Agreed.  But I would hasten to add that there may have been program implementation issues during the first few years after Medical Marijuana was approved and legalized in Ohio that over time have been addressed and corrected.

 

In the category of "is it really necessary ?",  there's a proposed State law in New Jersey where individuals could add themselves to a list barring them from entering Cannabis dispensaries (article courtesy of Marijuana Moment, an online blog:  https://www.marijuanamoment.net/new-jersey-bill-would-let-people-bar-themselves-from-entering-marijuana-retailers/?   ) One excerpt from the article: "Bill Caruso, a cannabis law lawyer involved in the November 2020 ballot initiative that legalized recreational cannabis, said he generally supports the goal of the bill to protect people from harm, but doesn’t see a need for it. He said he hasn’t heard any major concerns of people getting addicted to marijuana or losing their life savings because they’re buying too much cannabis. “Could we do it? Sure. The bigger question here is why, because we haven’t seen this overt harm that’s been created because of the legalization of marijuana,” Caruso said.

 

Obviously, some lawmakers still have a "Reefer Madness" mentality-marijuana dependency is a known phenomenon but an individual would have to have other emotional or psychological issues to feel the need to add their names to a do not enter dispensary registry.  The line between dependency and addiction is subtle but in the case of Cannabis, cessation of use does not result in delerium tremens as in alcoholics, or "cold turkey" serious multiple physical symptoms, as seen in opioid addicts.  If such a dispensary ban law were approved, what would be next; adding obese people to a list banning them from entering fast food and all-you-can-eat restaurants?

Seriously, states have legalized basically every form of gambling besides cockfighting.

Ohio Recreational Cannabis sales for the first two months total nearly $100 Million

 

According to a just published article from Cleveland.com  https://www.cleveland.com/news/2024/10/new-high-ohio-recreational-marijuana-sales-approach-100-million-mark.html    dispensaries our State have now tallied up $98.3 million dollars in sales. State coffers received $11 million in tax revenue from these sales. The Cleveland.com article mentions the State restriction that bars customers from smelling or seeing the actual product they are buying at the dispensary. I've seen dispensary videos from other states where the actual buds are stored in large Apothecary type lidded glass jars and customers are allowed to see the product they are buying during their purchase. Of course, no state allows customers to sample Cannabis products prior to purchase for obvious reasons. Still, visual quality, aroma, and flavor, play a role in customers' buying decisions so that restriction of not allowing customers to see what they are buying makes little common sense.  Cannabis is a plant product and some varieties and strains are superior to others but all a customer has to go on are photo images of the product in opaque sealed containers. That's not fair to Ohio Cannabis consumers, IMO. Mention was also made that initial prices per ounce at the launch of recreational sales have come down slightly but are still substantially more than in States like Michigan.

The hidden product thing really sticks out to friends who had already been to dispensaries in other states before buying in Ohio.

7 minutes ago, GCrites said:

The hidden product thing really sticks out to friends who had already been to dispensaries in other states before buying in Ohio.

 

It's asinine, but look at the bright side...the state could have mandated even more asinine rules and didn't.  

1 hour ago, surfohio said:

 

It's asinine, but look at the bright side...the state could have mandated even more asinine rules and didn't.  

The State fined six dispensaries $212,000 dollars in fines for violating a rule that advertising is prohibited. Cannabis is an amazing product that can't be seen by purchasers and can't be advertised by legal sellers. That seems fairly restrictive to me.

Ohioans Continue to Spend Over $1 Million Per Day on Legal Marijuana

 

Ohio recreational marijuana sales have topped $131 million in less than three months. 

 

The state’s total recreational marijuana sales were $131,813,130 as of Oct. 26, according to the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Cannabis Control. Ohio has a 10% tax at the point of sales for every non-medical marijuana transaction. 

 

Ohioans voted to legalize marijuana last November through Issue 2 and recreational sales started on Aug. 6. Under Ohio law, customers 21 and older can buy up to 2.5 ounces of recreational marijuana at dispensaries. 

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/ohioans-continue-to-spend-over-1-million-per-day-on-legal-marijuana-ocj1/

Those numbers of over one million in sales per day don't surprise me.  I assume an additional amount in sales have come from sales of Medical Marijuana. Some of the more established states where Cannabis has been legal for several years have sales in the half billion dollars per year range. Nationally, legal Cannabis sales are expected to reach $45 billion per year within the next two years.

 

On a side note, I'm into week 5 of the online Cannabis Cultivation Specialist course offered by Zane State College. It is quite comprehensive and informative for those interested in learning about the business end of the Cannabis industry. The next course begins on December 2, 2024. Well worth the time and expense in my estimation.