OHIO, USA — Ohio is taking another step toward recreational marijuana sales in the state.
New rules went into effect on Wednesday for businesses applying for recreational marijuana licenses. The application process is set to begin on June 7.
“I think a lot of people are chomping at the bit to get the ability to do it,” said Daphne Dibalon, a resident in Columbus.
“It’s 2024. People should be able to do what they want,” said Ava Maffei, who is also a Columbus resident.
Ohioans voted to legalize recreational marijuana in November. Since it was passed, it’s taken state officials months to get things rolling.
“Everyone I know that uses have been going elsewhere if they can't get it here,” said Dibalon.
Jason Erkes with Sunnyside medical marijuana dispensaries said the company have been preparing for an influx of sales.
“We are doing everything we can to prepare for a massive influx of new customers in our store. We are hiring additional staff, optimizing traffic in our store [and] making sure we have enough product when we are ready to launch,” Erkes said.
Sunnyside has three locations in central Ohio: Newark, Chillicothe and Marion. Erkes said he hopes to start recreational sales as soon as possible.
The Ohio Chamber of Commerce originally was outspoken about not wanting recreational sales. Rick Carfagna, the senior vice president of government affairs at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce said they have a lot of questions for bars and restaurants that have customers who may want to smoke marijuana at their establishments.
“It’s still a controlled substance under federal law and the Division of Liquor Control has warned businesses they could be jeopardizing permits by allowing [recreational marijuana] use on premises,” he said.
Carfagna said they also want to see the tax dollars from recreational marijuana put towards any potential issues that arise with recreational usage.
“Making sure money is diverted to law enforcement, and behavioral health and recovery services for people that are using and possibly abusing and are now running afoul with the law,” said Carfagna.