You can soon buy recreational marijuana in Ohio. What to know if you visit a dispensary (2024)

The wait is over: Ohioans can buy recreational marijuana starting Tuesday.

Existing medical marijuana dispensaries will open for customers 21 and older after the state awarded them licenses to sell both medical and recreational products. The process is still ongoing, so more shops are expected to come online with adult-use sales in the coming weeks.

If you're new to marijuana − or just need a refresher − here's what you need to know before you swing by a dispensary.

How much marijuana can I buy 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.

Division of Cannabis Control spokesman Jamie Crawford said the limits aim to ensure there's enough in stock for medical marijuana patients. The rules are only in place for now, until the division finalizes standards for the program.

What kind of products are available?

Ohio dispensaries sell a range of products, including flower, vape cartridges, edibles, beverages and topical creams. The state requires businesses to package flower in 2.83 g amounts, known in the industry as the "Ohio tenth."

Initially, only products allowed under the medical marijuana program will be available to adult-use consumers. That means there won't be pre-rolled joints or concentrates with more than 70% THC on the shelves. Those could become available starting around September.

What should I bring to an Ohio marijuana dispensary?

Don't forget your ID. It's illegal for dispensaries to sell to people under 21, and they will card you.

Many dispensaries only accept cash and have an ATM on site for customers who don't have any. Some stores accept debit cards or automated clearing housepayments.

What will the first day of marijuana sales in Ohio be like?

Dispensaries are bracing for more customers than usual on Tuesday, so expect lines.

Verano president Darren Weiss, who oversees Zen Leaf dispensaries across Ohio, said demand typically doubles or triples in the first weeks of recreational sales. Stores prepared for a new customer base by increasing staff and installing more kiosks to streamline sales.

“We’re definitely anticipating increased traffic," Weiss said. "But I think folks can rest assured that it’s not like fighting your way to a Best Buy on a Black Friday. It’s going to be tamer than that."

Ohio won't allow cannabis consumption, samples, music or food trucks at dispensaries on opening day. Weiss said he hopes stores can make the atmosphere "appropriately festive" despite the restrictions.

Can I order marijuana online in Ohio? Do dispensaries deliver?

Customers can place online orders at dispensaries, but they must pay in-store.

The Division of Cannabis Control proposed rules allowing for online payments down the road. Regulators will also craft rules for home delivery, which is not currently available.

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.

How is recreational marijuana taxed in Ohio?

Recreational marijuana consumers must pay a 10% excise tax on products, in addition to state and local sales taxes. The tax revenue goes into 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.

What if I'm a medical marijuana patient?

Dispensaries must maintain enough inventory for medical marijuana patients, and some may set aside dedicated hours for them to shop. Patients won't have to pay the 10% excise tax.

How much THC can I consume?

That depends on the person and their tolerance. Brian Wingfield, owner of Ohio Cannabis Company, generally recommends that newcomers go "low and slow."

Wingfield said vaping is an effective way to test the body's response to marijuana. A hit takes anywhere from one to five minutes to kick in. After that, he said, users can assess how they feel before trying a second hit.

If you pop an edible but don't think it's working, give it an hour or two to kick in before you eat another piece.

What's the difference between indica and sativa?

Indica strains tend to be associated with relaxation and sedation − and often contain more CBD − while sativa is known for energizing users. Hybrids could be anywhere in the middle.

But it isn't that simple, Wingfield said. He encouraged shoppers to talk with dispensary employees about their needs and what kind of effect they want from the product.

How do I know which dispensaries are open for recreational?

View the map below to see which dispensaries are licensed to sell recreational products. You may want to call the store or check social media to ensure adult-use sales have started at that location.

Haley BeMiller is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.