Ohio will start selling recreational marijuana soon. What does it mean for Kentuckians?
More than 100 Ohio dispensaries are ready to begin selling recreational marijuana once the state’s Division of Cannabis Control gives final approval.
That could happen any time between now and September, and sales are expected to boost tourism in Ohio from other states, including Kentucky, which is preparing to launch its own medical program in early 2025.
Here’s what to know about recreational marijuana sales in Ohio, including how it could affect Kentucky residents and the forthcoming medical cannabis program here.
Can visitors from out-of-state legally buy recreational weed in Ohio?
Issue 2—the ballot measure and new law Ohio voters approved in November—legalizes and regulates the “cultivation, processing, sale, purchase, possession, home grow and use of cannabis by adults at least 21 years of age.”
There’s no mention of a residency requirement to buy or use recreational marijuana in Ohio. So long as individuals are of legal age, they’re allowed to have up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis flower and 15 grams of extract, as reported by the Ohio Capital Journal.
Driving under the influence of marijuana is still illegal in Ohio, and Kentuckians could get into big trouble if they’re caught bringing it across state lines.
Still, the launch of recreational marijuana sales is expected to be a boon for tourism in Ohio, and according to an Ohio State University analysis, bring in up $403 million in annual tax revenue within five years.
When will recreational marijuana sales begin in Ohio?
Ohio has undergone a months-long regulatory process as officials work to implement legal sales of recreational marijuana. Currently, there are no authorized sellers in Ohio.
More than 100 dispensaries have been granted provisional licenses to begin selling recreational weed once they receive final approval from the state’s Division of Cannabis Control, according to media reports.
License applications must be either approved or denied by Sept. 7, the Ohio Capital Journal reported. Given that, sales could begin in Ohio at any time from late summer into early fall.
Kentucky’s medical cannabis program, meanwhile, has also begun the licensing process for businesses. Applications opened at the start of July, and Kentucky’s first medical cannabis businesses will receive their licenses via a state lottery.
Can you bring recreation marijuana from Ohio to Kentucky?
Kentucky’s medical marijuana program won’t officially launch until January, but there are a few limited legal protections granted by an executive order from Gov. Andy Beshear. Beshear’s administration has said his executive order will stand until 2025.
That said, Kentuckians bringing recreational weed into the state from Ohio or elsewhere could find themselves in serious legal trouble if caught. It’s also worth noting crossing state lines with marijuana is still a federal offense.
Kentuckians who possess more than 8 ounces of marijuana (or have a subsequent possession offense) could be slapped with a felony, while any amount less than that is a misdemeanor.
Do you have a question about medical marijuana in Kentucky for our service journalism team? Send us an email at ask@herald-leader.com or fill out our Know Your Kentucky form.
This story was originally published July 11, 2024 at 12:22 PM.