Ohio has given the green light to begin recreational marijuana sales on Tuesday, August 6.

The Ohio Cannabis Coalition (OHCANN) announced that sales of non-medical marijuana will begin at approved Ohio dispensaries, meaning anyone 21 and older can purchase the substance after 57% of voters favored the change last November.

The Ohio Division of Cannabis Control has been handling the distribution of licenses for medical marijuana dispensaries to become dual-use sellers Since May, after Ohio voters approved Issue 2 in November of 2023. 

Starting Tuesday, dispensaries who applied for dual-use certification through the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control and were approved can begin selling non-medical marijuana products. 

"We did a lot in our store to help accommodate the traffic flow so I think we'll be able to get people in and out rather quickly," explained Corey Groner, Owner & CFO of Green Leaf Therapy in Struthers. "You'll get your provisional license which means you're ready to go. Then you would get ready to start selling but can't do anything until you get your COO (Certificate of Operation.)

Medical marijuana dispensaries have already been responsibly serving Ohio patients for years, and now they will utilize the same medical marijuana rules and regulations for Ohioans aged 21 and older.

The process is just like buying alcohol. You present your identification during your purchase and you're on your way.

"Either way, we pretty much need your ID and then you can be an anonymous guest or you can have a profile created with us," Groner explained. 

Green Leaf expects sales to possibly even triple, especially immediately after adult-use gets up and running next Tuesday.

"Right now, with just medical, we see anywhere from 150 to 250 people a day," Groner said. "So we don't know if it's going to be double or triple that. I wouldn't be surprised if we're upwards of 500 people a day, especially at the beginning."

The 10% sales tax is expected to bring in millions for local communities.

Once all dispensaries receive their Certificate of Operation, the Division of Cannabis Control will update a state map showing which dispensaries are open to adult-use customers.