Ohio Finally Joins the 21st Century: Recreational Marijuana Sales Begin, but Social Equity Must Be a Priority

As of today, Ohioans can legally buy and consume recreational marijuana. While this is a welcome development, long overdue, it's important to remember that the 'war on drugs' has disproportionately impacted communities of color. We must ensure social equity is at the heart of this new industry.

Existing medical marijuana dispensaries have begun selling to customers over 21, and more shops will open in the coming weeks.

"So, we got people calling and verifying, we got people checking our hours. Phone's been off the hook all day. We're excited for the morning. We've been staffing, training, and purchasing a lot too so we're definitely not going to run out," Nectar Dispensary manager Zach Gergich told WTOL.

The state has set purchase limits:

• 1 ounce of dried flower
• 10 units of vape oil (590mg THC max)
• 10 packages of edibles (1,100mg THC total)

These limits are in place to ensure medical patients still have access, but they also highlight the need for well-regulated, equitable sales. The Division of Cannabis Control must ensure social equity and create opportunities for those disproportionately impacted by prohibition.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Weed in Ohio

Products Available
Ohio dispensaries sell flowers, vape cartridges, edibles, beverages, and topicals. Only medical-grade products are available now, with pre-rolled joints and high-THC concentrates due later this year.

What You Need
Don't forget your ID! Dispensaries are strict about this and will card you. Many only accept cash, so bring some dollars.

Online Orders
You can place orders online but must pay in-store. Hopefully, the Division of Cannabis Control will introduce online payments and home delivery rules soon.

Cost and Taxes
Flower prices vary from $30 to over $100. Vape pens are $25-75, and edibles are $15-30. Remember to factor in a 10% excise tax, plus state and local sales taxes. Tax revenue funds social equity programs, addiction services, and local municipalities.

A Growing List of Progressive States

Ohio residents are excited about this long-overdue change, with many lining up to celebrate their new freedom. Melissa Nickel of Toledo, the first recreational customer at Rise dispensary, told WTOL: "It's just a great step forward...It's great for people to have access to things that make them feel better physically, mentally, emotionally."

Ohio joins a growing number of states legalizing recreational marijuana, recognizing the failed war on drugs and the need for progressive reform. The Buckeye State is now part of a growing, inclusive movement:

• Ohio: Legalized in 2023
• Minnesota: Legalized in 2023
• Delaware: Legalized in 2023
• Rhode Island: Legalized in 2022
• Maryland: Legalized in 2022
• Missouri: Legalized in 2022
• And many more, with hopefully many more to come!

It's about time, Ohio!