Editors note: A previous version of this story stated that Bloom Medicinals was selling recreational marijuana in Summit County starting Tuesday. The Beacon Journal was informed by the business that it isn't selling recreational marijuana yet and it's unsure when it will start.
For pot enthusiasts in the Buckeye State, the wait is finally over.
The first recreational marijuana dispensaries in Ohio open Tuesday, with more expected in the coming weeks and months.
Here's what you need to know about the rollout of recreational marijuana sales across the state:
Where can I buy weed in Greater Akron?
In Summit County:
Culture Cannabis Club: 1568 E. Archwood Ave., Akron
The Botanist: 46 S. Summit St., Akron
FRX Health: 1682 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls
In Portage County:
Bliss Ohio: 331 E. Main St., Kent
Supergood: 554 N. Chestnut St., Ravenna
How much marijuana can I have in Ohio?
Adults 21 and older can possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and 15 grams of extracts or edibles.
But there are limits on what you can buy in one transaction. Initially, recreational customers can purchase no more than:
One ounce of dried plant material, called flower.
Ten units of oil to vape, each containing 590mg of THC.
Ten packages of edibles totaling no more than 1,100mg of THC.
The caps are combined across all types of products. That means you can't purchase the maximum amount of flower, vape cartridges and edibles in one sitting.
What do I need to bring with me to buy recreational marijuana in Ohio?
Customers will need to bring an ID to purchase recreational marijuana. It's illegal for dispensaries to sell to anyone under 21.
Can I use a credit card at a marijuana dispensary?
For payment, cash is king. This is because federal banking regulations open banks and credit card companies up to legal liability for accepting payment for cannabis.
Some dispensaries in the state accept debit cards for cashless ATM transactions, which also require a fee. The use of debit cards for marijuana has proven a contentious topic, with Mastercard last year instructing banks not to allow cannabis purchases, according to The New York Times.
Customers who don't bring cash can take money out of on-site ATMs for a fee. At The Botanist, another option is to provide your bank account information for an automated clearing house (ACH) payment with no fee, Ols said.
The Citizen's dispensaries in Canton and Lorain also process ACH transactions, said Pete Nischt, vice president of communications and compliance at Klutch Cannabis, The Citizen's parent company.
"It's more convenient for consumers, it's legal, it's compliant and it's kind of an added precaution in helping a store mitigate the amount of money that it has to keep on hand," he said.
What types of products can I buy at dispensaries in Ohio?
At first, Ohio’s dual-licensed marijuana businesses will sell the same types of products they currently offer in the medical market.
That means there won't be pre-rolls or concentrates with more than 70% THC for sale right away. Those could appear on shelves starting around September, provided the law doesn't change. As passed by voters, it increased the THC cap for extracts to 90% and lifted a ban on combustion, or burning cannabis with a flame.
Products available now include:
Flower and concentrates for vaporization.
Concentrate-filled vape cartridges.
Edibles.
Drinks.
Topical creams.
Lotions.
Patches.
Available non-plant-based accessories at numerous Ohio dispensaries include vaporizers for flower and concentrates, vape batteries and cartridges that can be filled with concentrates, and grinders for breaking up flower.
How much does marijuana cost in Ohio?
Flower typically costs anywhere from $30 to over $100, depending on the strain and amount per container. Vape pens and cartridges can range from $25 to $75. Edibles are usually a little cheaper − about $15 to $30 per package − but high-potency products get more expensive.
These prices don't account for sales or deals that dispensaries may offer.
What are the taxes on recreational marijuana in Ohio?
Ohio will impose a 10% excise tax on recreational marijuana. That's in addition to the 5.75% state sales tax on tangible goods.
Additional, local taxes vary by county, and in some parts of the state, there is a transit authority tax, according to the Ohio Department of Taxation.
What's the difference between indica and sativa?
Indica strains tend to be associated with relaxation and sedation − and oftencontain more CBD− while sativa is known for energizing users. Hybrids could be anywhere in the middle.
But it isn't that simple, said Brian Wingfield, owner of Ohio Cannabis Company. He encouraged shoppers to talk with dispensary employees about their needs and what kind of effect they want from the product.
Can my employer bar me from using marijuana even though it's legal in Ohio?
Yes. Employers can still ban marijuana use and drug test employees for it.
How is Ohio law enforcement cracking down on people driving while high?
It's still illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana, and passengers can't smoke or vape in the vehicle. The state's OVI laws apply to anyone who violates those rules.
Law enforcement can conduct multiple tests to determine if a driver is under the influence of cannabis, according to Dominy Law Firm. Field test results can signal to the officer whether they should arrest the driver.
Police typically conduct a blood or urine test for drugs and alcohol after an arrest.
Under Ohio law, presumed impaired driving equates to "at least 2 nanograms of marijuana in your blood or at least 10 nanograms of marijuana per milliliter of your urine," according to The Farrish Law Firm.
Where does my tax money go when I buy recreational marijuana in Ohio?
Revenue from the 10% excise tax goes to four pots of money:
A social equity and jobs program geared toward people who were disproportionately affected by marijuana prohibition. (36%)
Municipalities with dispensaries. (36%)
Substance abuse and addiction fund. (25%)
Administrative costs. (3%)
What if I'm a medical marijuana patient in Ohio?
Division of Cannabis Control requires dispensaries to accommodate patients and caregivers, which could mean setting aside products or having dedicated hours for them. Licensees also must ensure there's enough inventory for patients.
Medical marijuana patients won't be subject to the 10% excise tax.
Will I start seeing marijuana billboards everywhere in Ohio like in Michigan and other states?
This is unlikely. Crawford said rules for marijuana advertising need to be finalized, but they will be similar to the advertising rules in the state’s medical cannabis program.
Currently, Crawford said, “any advertisem*nts with a high likelihood of reaching persons under the age of 18 are prohibited.”
Patrick Williams covers growth and development for the Akron Beacon Journal. He can be reached by email at pwilliams@gannett.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @pwilliamsOH.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Ohio recreational weed sales begin Tuesday. What you need to know.
