Ohio Issue 2 Passed, What Happens Next?
The cannabis industry is celebrating Ohio as the 24th state to legalize adult-use marijuana. On November 7th, 2023 citizens voted in favor of Issue 2, which expands the use of marijuana to adults 21 years and over. Previously, a medical marijuana card was required to purchase cannabis from a licensed dispensary, and obtaining a card required a physician’s recommendation.
The two biggest questions on the minds of Ohio citizens are, “When can adults legally possess marijuana?” and “Where can I get adult-use ganja?” If you’re curious, look no further — we’re going to answer both questions below.
When Can Ohio Adults Begin Using Marijuana?
Provided Ohio lawmakers don’t implement significant changes to the statute approved on November 7th, then the statute becomes law 30 days later on December 7th, 2023. This means the following will be true for Ohio adults 21 years and older:
- Adults can possess 2.5 ounces of cannabis or 15 grams of extract.
- They can grow up to 6 cannabis plants, or 12 plants in a residence containing 2 or more adults over 21 years old.
In addition, Issue 2 has approved the following forms of cannabis for adult use in Ohio:
Only adult use cannabis may be sold under this chapter in the following forms: plant material and seeds, live plants, clones, extracts, drops, lozenges, oils, tinctures, edibles, patches, smoking or combustible product, vaporization of product, beverages, pills, capsules, suppositories, oral pouches, oral strips, oral and topical sprays, salves, lotions or similar cosmetic products, and inhalers.”
https://www.ohiosos.gov/globalassets/elections/2023/gen/issuesreport.pdf, Retrieved on November 13th, 2023.
Possessing and consuming these products may begin on December 7th, barring any significant changes to the statute. However, recreational cannabis will not be available to purchase right away.
Legal marijuana sales are slated to begin in September 2024. This allows the Division of Cannabis Control nine months to sort out the framework surrounding product packaging, regulatory standards, and adult-use licensing. The first round of recreational licenses will be distributed to Ohio’s current medical marijuana businesses. Additional adult-use licenses won’t be available for two more years.
Where Can I Obtain Legal Cannabis Until Sales Begin In 2024?
Does the delay in legal marijuana sales affect current, registered medical marijuana patients? The answer is, “no.” Adults currently registered under Ohio’s Medical Marijuana program can continue to access licensed dispensaries. Ohioans without a registered medical card can view the below flyer to see if they suffer from any of the ailments or conditions listed, including chronic pain, PTSD, or spinal cord disease just to name a few.
Of course, adults will look for means to obtain cannabis during the nine-month wait. Just keep in mind that marijuana sales are illegal in Ohio until 2024, even if possession and consumption are legalized on December 7th, 2023.
Stay Legal, Stay Safe
As exciting as Issue 2 passing is for some, it can be distressing for opponents of the measure. As Ohio moves forward with recreational marijuana, it’s extremely important that the cannabis community be transparent about our passion and support for public safety and appropriate industry oversight.
On December 7th, 2023, Ohio adults can legally consume marijuana and even grow cannabis plants. It’s an incredible opportunity to support the growing industry while showing empathy and responsibility to our communities. Keep an eye out for potential changes to the statute, stay legal, and stay safe! Cheers Ohio!
