Adult-use cannabis sales in Ohio are set to begin any day now. What do you need to know?
When will adult-use sales start in Ohio?
We don't yet know when the first dispensary will open its doors to the public, however, we do know when the application for a license to sell adult-use cannabis process begins: Friday, June 7, 2024. The State will begin reviewing the applications as soon as they start coming in, giving priority to cultivators, processors, and testing laboratories to keep the supply running smoothly.
All dual-use medical marijuana (MMJ) and adult-use cannabis licenses will be distributed by September 7, 2024.
How much cannabis can adult-use consumers purchase?
The MMJ program patients will continue being dispensed their 90-day supply, but the adult-use consumers will be limited for a while. Adult-use cannabis purchases are limited to 10 days worth of product per day. This means no matter what you are purchasing, you cannot get more than a 10-day supply. This limitation will remain in place until the program can sufficiently supply both the medical and adult-use programs.
What is a day's supply of cannabis?
Those who are already MMJ patients in Ohio are going to be familiar with the day-supply system. However, if you have been waiting for adult use, you may not understand what it means to have a 10-day limit. Let's break it down:
Flower
Cannabis flower in Ohio is measured in 2.83g increments. Each 2.83g is counted as one day. If you were to get 10 days' worth of cannabis flower, that would be one ounce or 28.3g. You can purchase one strain or multiple strains. The day count will depend upon the total weight purchased.
See the chart below for the day breakdown of flower day counts:
Edibles
When it comes to edible products, anything up to 110mg is a day supply. However, unlike flower, edible products are not added together for the total amount of THC. Each individual package of edibles will be counted separately.
Example:
If you buy ONE package of 10 gummies that have 10mg THC each, that equals ONE-day supply of gummies because it is only 100mg total for that package.
If you buy two packages of 2 cookies that have 20mg THC each, that equals a TWO-day supply. Even though the TOTAL amount of THC is under 110mg, the edibles are in two separate packages, so they are counted individually from each other.
Vapes and Concentrates
Concentrates and vapes are counted the same way as edibles, except cpnsumers get up to 590mg per day. Concentrate and vape products are not added together for the total amount of THC. Each individual package of vapes and concentrates will be counted separately.
Example:
If you buy ONE package of a .3g disposable vape that has 250mg THC, that equals ONE-day supply of disposable vapes because it is only 250mg total for that package.
If you buy two packages of a .3g disposable vape that has 250mg THC each, that equals a TWO-day supply. Even though the TOTAL amount of THC is under 590mg, the vapes are in two separate packages, so they are counted individually from each other.
Topicals
When it comes to topical creams, salves, balms, ointments, sprays, and patches, consumers are allotted 295mg per day. Much like vapes, concentrates, and edibles, topicals are calculated by package, not total THC.
Example:
If you buy ONE jar of 115mg THC lotion, that equals ONE-day supply of topicals because it is only 115mg total for that package.
If you buy two jars of 115mg THC lotion, it equals a TWO-day supply. Even though the TOTAL amount of THC is under 295mg, the lotions are in two separate jars, so they are counted individually from each other.
What taxes will be applied to adult-use purchases?
Adult-use cannabis will have two types of tax applied to each product. First, you will be taxed at the local rate. Then, an additional 10% excise tax will be added to the product.
Example: The Columbus tax rate is 7.5%. In Columbus, there will be a 17.5% tax rate for adult-use cannabis.
What is the Possession Limit for Adult-Use Cannabis?
An adult 21 or older may possess, transport, or transfer 15 grams of extract and 2.5 ounces of another form.
Public Consumption - Is it Allowed?
No. According to the Division of Cannabis Control, "The initiated statute states that a non-medical cannabis consumer who uses non-medical cannabis in public areas is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. Additionally, Ohio's law prohibiting smoking or vaping in public indoor spaces applies to marijuana as well."
Is Employment Protected?
No. "The law allows an employer to fire, discipline, refuse to hire, or take other adverse employment action against an individual because of the individual's use, possession, or distribution of cannabis" (Division of Cannabis Control).
Can You Use Cannabis and Purchase a Gun?
No. The ATF (Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives) considers any use of cannabis to be unlawful, even in states where medical and non-medical use has been legalized.
Cannabis and Driving
Driving while under the influence of cannabis, whether medical or adult use, is still illegal. In addition, under the new adult-use law, passengers are also not allowed to use cannabis while in a "vehicle, motor vehicle, streetcar, trackless trolley, bike, watercraft, or aircraft" (Division of Cannabis Control).
Final Thoughts
A good rule is: If you can't do it with alcohol, you can't do it with cannabis. And be sure to check with your employer about their policy towards cannabis use before hitting up a dispensary! Have a question about the adult-use program? Reach out.
Keep updated with current laws and regulations as this adult-use program unfolds and when your favorite dispensaries will open to the public by subscribing to MedicateOH today!
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