COLUMBUS, Ohio — Recreational marijuana products are officially available in Ohio for anyone over the age of 21 with a valid government ID.
This comes nine months after voters said they wanted recreational marijuana sales to be legal.
The excitement in Columbus on Tuesday at the dispensaries was clear.
“I think it’s amazing. I think it’s convenient. I think the crime rate will go down,” said Teina, an Ohio resident.
“We are here, finally. It’s a great thing. I feel like Ohio, Columbus has come a long way,” said resident Keith Laney.
The first day of sales was a busy one for people like Gyen Musgrave, the director of retail operations at the Botanist. Musgrave said 95% of their products that were available for medical customers are now available for all customers.
“We are hopeful and expecting a pretty big increase of 100 to 150% increase over what we have seen earlier this year. We are super excited about that,” said Musgrave.
Over at Nar Reserve, a dispensary on East Long Street, said they had a line at 10 a.m. when their doors opened for recreational customers. They expect the demand to continue.
“Vibes are preparation. Make sure we have enough stock, procedures. Make sure we have everything set up,” said Darius Walters, employee at Nar Reserve.
Customers said they were excited and curious to shop and see what is available.
“They were very explanatory in there. Everyone was helpful and patient. I think they have a good thing going,” said Teina.
“I have mixed emotions about it. That’s why I came to test it out,” said Domonique, an Ohio resident.
The state of Ohio estimates it could receive $200 million a year in revenue from recreational marijuana sales. People 10TV spoke with said they think the sales will of course help the state financially, but also socially.
“I think it will make a huge impact on our community and bring people together,” said Walters.
Employees at The Botanist said day one sales are in line with predictions. But the future is still a bit unclear.
“We had a projection, and we tried to meet that. We definitely met it today, but how the next week, 30 days goes, well we will see,” said Musgrave.