Recreational marijuana sales in Ohio can start Tuesday at nearly 100 locations

Columbus, Ohio — Recreational marijuana sales begin across Ohio on Tuesday when the state issues the first operating licenses.

Nearly 100 medical marijuana dispensaries can begin selling immediately, but it’s not yet clear how many are ready to open, the Division of Cannabis Control said Monday.

Many orders are ready immediately, but other orders may experience delays due to staffing or inventory issues.

The first round of operational certificates goes to 98 locationsaccording to the Cannabis Control Department.

Ohio voters last November overwhelmingly approved allowing people over the age of 21 to possess, purchase, and grow limited amounts of cannabis for personal use. But recreational sales remained on hold while the state established a regulated system for legal marijuana purchases and developed other regulations.

The new law allows adults aged 21 and over to purchase and possess up to 70 grams of cannabis and to grow up to six plants per person or 12 plants per household at home.

Legal marijuana purchases are subject to a 10% sales tax. The proceeds are split between administrative costs, addiction treatment, municipalities with dispensaries, and funding for social equity and employment programs to support the cannabis industry itself.