Recreational marijuana sales will begin across Ohio on Tuesday when the state issues its first operating certificates.

Nearly 100 medical marijuana dispensaries will be able to begin sales immediately, although it’s not clear how many will be ready to open, the Division of Cannabis Control said Monday.

Many will be ready right away while others could be delayed by staffing or inventory issues.

The first round of operation certificates will go to 98 locations, according to the Division of Cannabis Control.

  • partial_accumen@lemmy.world
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    5 months ago

    I voted for this ballot measure last year to legalize this. I have zero interest in consuming marijuana myself, but I’m certainly not going to stand in the way of others that want to partake. Simple possession of marijuana has also long been used by law enforcement against people of color at a staggeringly disproportionate rate (source) which can have lifelong detrimental effects from convictions.

    I’m happy marijuana possession can not longer be used against otherwise law abiding adult users. This by itself is a very nice win for social justice and equality.

    • whotookkarl@lemmy.world
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      5 months ago

      Welcome to the party pal, Michigan raised over 1.5 billion in tax revenue since December 2019 for schools, roads, and funding county and municipal local governments.

  • SeaJ@lemm.ee
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    5 months ago

    100 locations? That reminds me of when Washington legalized it a decade ago and they thought it would be a good idea to limit them to only a certain number per district. The prices were so high at the shops because of that that most people stuck to their illegal hookup. LCB quickly realized the whole thing would fail unless they expanded access.

    • shuzuko@midwest.social
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      5 months ago

      At the moment, it’s moreso that these are already existing medical dispensaries that have been cleared to sell recreational starting tomorrow, which is almost all of them (we don’t have that many in the state right now, anyway - I think around 130 at this point, many very recently opened). They’re still, as far as I’m aware, setting up the process for a rec-only selling license, so it remains to be seen how quickly we will reach saturation. Prices will remain high here for quite some time, though, I think - probably until it’s federally legal to sell cannabis across state lines. Our growing system is kind of shit and I don’t see that changing soon.

    • BowtiesAreCool@lemmy.world
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      5 months ago

      Ohio made the process for becoming a Dispo Employee extremely long winded. Hours upon hours of training and tests. I’m in Oregon and we’re sending managers out to Ohio to help them start up.

    • grue@lemmy.world
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      5 months ago

      Authoritarians love creating mechanisms for bribery and kickbacks (such as only granting dispensary “licenses” to their cronies).

    • catloaf@lemm.ee
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      5 months ago

      There’s got to be a good middle ground. Seems like there’s a smoke shop every block in my area (outside Boston). I highly doubt the demand is that high. And they’re all chain places, too. That space could be used for more local and more useful businesses.

      • partial_accumen@lemmy.world
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        5 months ago

        I’m not following your logic. If demand is not high enough to support the store location, are you suggesting that these stores are being run unprofitably, and if so, where’s the money coming from to make up the shortfall to continue operations on a monthly basis?

        That space could be used for more local and more useful businesses.

        Or is it possible that landlords are taking a loss on rent because some rent is better than no rent because there aren’t more local/useful businesses willing to open in those spaces?

      • IsThisAnAI@lemmy.world
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        5 months ago

        We have 14 dispensaries for our city of 55k (6sq miles) and there are regularly lines out the door. Demand is fine.

        I personally can’t stand small shops. They regularly lack online shopping and have higher prices. Sunnyside, our local chain actively hires those from the queer community, have consistent products, and offer the best prices.

        • catloaf@lemm.ee
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          5 months ago

          Sounds like it works in your area, then. Good for you, and I don’t mean that sarcastically. If it worked like that here, I wouldn’t be complaining as much (though that comment is the only time I’ve actually complained, which tells you how big a deal it isn’t).

    • Deconceptualist@lemm.ee
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      5 months ago

      It’s already been legal to possess and smoke and grow your own since shortly after the November ballot passed. This is just the commercial licensing side finally launching.

  • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
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    5 months ago

    This means Indiana is bordered on three sides by legal states.

    Good job, Holcomb and Rokita. You’re really generating income for Illinois, Ohio and Michigan.

    • rockSlayer@lemmy.world
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      5 months ago

      The OCM is already accepting license applications, and should have open stores some time next year. Either way, prices will be much higher than what you can get from Michigan or the res for a while.

      • Zron@lemmy.world
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        5 months ago

        Been legal in Illinois for a long time

        Dispensaries are still outrageous compared to street prices

        • rockSlayer@lemmy.world
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          5 months ago

          That’s not really a long term concern with the mn bill, there’s a lot of provisions in there with the intent of undercutting street prices. Imo the MN bill is one of the best in the country, but if the res prices are anything to go on, the prices will definitely be insane for a while. Right now, the cheapest you can buy from a res is about $400 for an ounce

    • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
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      5 months ago

      Not really possible for people in apartments. Or even just people who rent houses. Which is why it needs to be legal. They also have medical needs and deserve to use it recreationally.

      • BeardyGrumps@lemmy.world
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        5 months ago

        It’s completely possible in apartments. Tent, light and air extractor connected to hepa filter removes majority of the smell. A small tent (60cm x 60cm x 1.2m) manages a plant or two.

        • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
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          5 months ago

          Unless the landlord says you shouldn’t do it.

          I don’t see why you’re so against people being able to purchase it if they want to.

          • BeardyGrumps@lemmy.world
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            5 months ago

            Not all apartments are rented. Am not against the sale or purchase; just the mis-information that you cant grow it yourself in a small apartment.

              • BeardyGrumps@lemmy.world
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                5 months ago

                The world is bigger than the US. My point remains… Don’t spread the false narrative that you can’t grow your own in a small abode. Thanks.

                • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
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                  5 months ago

                  Okay? That doesn’t change the definitions of apartments and condos.

                  I said nothing about a “small abode.” I literally was talking about renting, which is why I said “apartments” and “rent houses.”