Why Ohio Cannabis Manufacturers Are Preparing for the Pre-Roll Market
Ohio has officially joined the growing list of states to legalize adult-use cannabis, a significant win for the cannabis community. The shift from medicinal-only to adult-use dispensaries opens the door to new product lines and revenue streams. One of the most financially consequential opportunities includes the production and sale of pre-rolled joints, which are not allowed under the state’s medical marijuana program.
For cannabis operations in Ohio, preparing for this change is essential to stay competitive and meet the inevitable demand. Below, we’ll dive into what legal changes took place in Ohio and how we can help cannabis businesses get ready for the emerging pre-roll market.
The Pre-Roll Opportunity: What Changed?
The State of Ohio finally made its way into the regulated cannabis market on September 8, 2016 by way of House Bill 523. However, it would be a longer road for the State to adopt Issue 2’s adult-use legalization. Let’s briefly review how each legislative change impacted the Ohio cannabis pre-roll market.
Ohio Adopts Medical Marijuana With House Bill 523
The State’s cannabis community expected combustible flower products to be sold in dispensaries from the onset of the legal cannabis market. However, pre-rolled cannabis products were prohibited under Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Control Program (MMCP) due to specific regulations outlined by the Ohio Administrative Code. The rule relevant to pre-rolls is OAC 3796:8-2-01, which limits the types of medical marijuana products that can be sold under the State’s medical marijuana program.
Rule 3796:8-2-01, (A-1) Plant material for administration with the use of vaporizing devices. (B-2) Vaporizing devices shall not be capable of being heated to temperatures at which medical marijuana plant material will burn.
ohio.gov (September 7, 2023). Authorized medical marijuana forms and methods of administration. “https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-3796:8-2-01”
In short, “consumption by combustion” was prohibited.
The law did permit forms like oils, tinctures, plant material, edibles, and patches, but it explicitly disallowed certain types of marijuana products, including combustible pre-rolls. The rationale behind this regulation was to maintain control over product dosing and safety, ensuring that patients in Ohio’s medical marijuana program received consistent and well-regulated cannabis forms.
This was very disappointing to cannabis operations and their customers alike. The silver lining was that HB 523 opened the door for the future legalization of adult-use cannabinoids.
Ohio Passes Issue 2, Green-Lighting Adult-Use Cannabis Products
Pre-rolled joints are highly popular in states where adult-use cannabis is legal. This is mainly due to the product’s convenience and ease of use. Although traditional tokers enjoy the experience of grinding their bud and rolling a time-honored joint, pre-rolls are highly convenient. Commercial pre-rolls are filled and packed consistently, burn more evenly, and are available with varying concentrations of cannabinoids. This makes them an attractive product for both new users and seasoned enthusiasts.
As a result, pre-rolls often become one of the best-selling categories for dispensaries in adult-use markets.
Charlie Trefny, OHCANN, Director of Government Affairs
After hearing chatter from local dispensaries that pre-rolls were expected to hit Ohio’s regulated cannabis market, we reached out to the Ohio Cannabis Coalition’s Charlie Trefny, Director of Government Affairs. After years of conditioning cannabis businesses and consumers that Ohioans were not allowed to “burn” marijuana plant material, we were eager to know if the pre-roll rumors were true.
Mr. Trefny’s experience has been well-woven into the cannabis industry, assisting businesses licensed in Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Control Program prior to his joining the Ohio Cannabis Coalition. After an insightful conversation, he knew the industry expert to introduce us to next: Thomas Haren.
Thomas Haren, Partner at Frantz Ward, LLP
We had the privilege to speak to Thomas G. Haren, who is an attorney and partner at the law firm, Frantz Ward. He is the chair of the firm’s cannabis law group and highly sought after for his extensive skills in advising cannabis businesses throughout Ohio.
In our chat with Mr. Haren, we discussed Ohio’s quick rollout of the adult-use cannabis program after Issue 2 passed. While it wasn’t as simple as flipping a switch, tackling each step individually was key. Regulations for testing labs and dual licensure were prioritized so businesses could begin selling adult-use products, allowing sales to start three months earlier than expected.
Combustion is authorized by the Ohio adult-use statute, so I do think pre-rolls will be part of the market.
Thomas Haren
Though pre-rolls weren’t initially included, Thomas noted, “You have to walk before you can run.” While he couldn’t specify a date, he agreed pre-rolls would eventually join Ohio’s adult-use market. As the conversation concluded, Thomas emphasized Ohio’s careful yet efficient approach, with the inclusion of combustion in Issue 2 being welcome news for manufacturers and the community.
The Pre-Roll Market Is Coming to Ohio, What’s Next?
In truth, this article is a “prequel” of sorts for the Ohio cannabis industry. We’ve been partnering with cannabis cultivators, manufacturers, and vertically integrated cannabis operations to help plan, equip, and implement pre-roll product lines across the country for years. If you’re ready to roll, your next step is to reach out to our team.
Becoming an Omega VIP is free (for realz). That is to say, there are no fees, no commitments, and no expectations of exclusivity. The industry is challenging enough; we’re here to help you overcome those challenges, not give you more.
So why the VIP program? Because when you partner with our team at Omega, we’re not just “selling stuff.” Each and every one of our customers is a life-cycle business partner. We’re hands-on; we know what we’re doing; and we’re proud of it. We’re fully invested in our customers. Our success is tied to yours, so let’s succeed together.
Sign-up to become an Omega VIP, and let’s get your pre-roll strategy started.
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