Your Guide to Non-Medical Marijuana in Ohio

— Dr. Rony Sinharoy & Dr. Lauren Delande, for Klutch Cannabis

Last November, Ohioans comfortably voted in favor of the Issue 2 ballot initiative, becoming the 24^th state in the U.S to legalize marijuana. Now, the Buckeye State begins a new chapter with the start of recreational marijuana sales. As legislation progresses and implementation plans unfold, Ohio residents may be wondering what this all means.

To expedite the launch of recreational marijuana sales, the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control has issued temporary guidance for cannabis operators (official rules are expected in September). Currently, licensed Dual Use dispensaries may sell marijuana products to customers aged 21 and over with a valid government-issued ID. There are over 100 dispensaries across the state that have or will receive a Dual Use license. These dispensaries also conduct sales to registered medical marijuana patients, hence “dual use”.

Keep reading to learn about purchasing recreational marijuana in Ohio!

1. Age Restrictions:

• You must be at least 21 years old to purchase and consume recreational marijuana in Ohio. Valid identification, such as a driver’s license or state ID, will be required to verify your age at dispensaries.

2. Licensed Dispensaries:

• Recreational marijuana in Ohio is sold exclusively through licensed Dual Use dispensaries. Licensed dispensaries are regulated by the state to ensure compliance with legal requirements and quality standards.

3. Product Safety:

• Ohio dispensaries are required to adhere to strict safety guidelines to ensure the quality of marijuana products. Only products tested by a state-approved lab from licensed Ohio suppliers may be sold. To avoid risks associated with unregulated products, it is important to purchase from authorized dispensaries.

4. Product Selection:

• Ohio dispensaries offer a variety of cannabis products for consumers, including:
  • Flower: The dried and cured form of the cannabis plant, typically smoked or vaporized.
  • Vapes: Cannabis oil in cartridges or pods for convenient consumption with a compatible battery.
  • Edibles: Cannabis-infused food products such as gummies, chocolates, and beverages.
  • Concentrates: High-potency extracts of cannabis, available in forms like resin, waxes, and rosin.
  • Topicals: Cannabis-infused lotions, creams, and balms applied to the skin for localized relief.
  • Tinctures: Cannabis oil in a carrier liquid to administer orally for precise dosing.

5. Purchase Limits:

• Current rules impose purchase limits on how much marijuana recreational users can purchase in one day. These limits help maintain adequate supply for all customers across the state and are determined by product type, weight, and THC content. Click here to learn more.

6. Taxes and Pricing:

• Recreational marijuana purchases will be subject to state and local taxes, along with a 10% recreational cannabis excise tax. Prices will vary depending on the product type and quality. Credit cards are not accepted.

As Dual Use dispensaries open around Ohio, operators must be dynamic and focus on enhancing customer experiences online and in-store. If you are seeking a dispensary that is setting the standard for the future of cannabis retail, look no further than The Citizen by Klutch Lorain and The Citizen by Klutch Canton.

Ohio’s Premier Dispensary Experience

Walk into The Citizen and you immediately sense how the store does not feel like a typical dispensary. The Citizen by Klutch was created with the goal of presenting a sophisticated, dignified, cannabis shopping experience. It’s a pioneering concept for Ohio, where most dispensaries provide a restrained vibe—like congested shopping areas, a restrictive ordering process and little access to product information.

The Citizen is lined in mahogany wood to give it a cigar lounge feel. Granite countertops and bourbon brown leather seating complement the rich tones. Exposed brick lines select walls in the space, creating a comfortable interior. All with the intention of bringing a suave style into a 21st-century dispensary to create a warm and social environment.

Recently named by Global Cannabis Times as one of the “Coolest Stores in the World”, The Citizen takes pride in staying ahead of the curve and elevating the customer journey through innovation. Those choosing to serve themselves, although budtender help is always available, make informed buying decisions by using the RFID-tagged packaging on interactive kiosks. Customers may review detailed product information and interact with specific items placed on the kiosk casework as shopping carts are built out digitally. That’s not all. The Citizen also has a fully customized online menu to simplify browsing and provides advanced tools inside the store to aid purchasing decisions based on product data. Above all, the store setup allows knowledgeable staff to freely roam the floor and attentively interact with shoppers. The Citizen is also one of few cannabis retailers which currently accepts digital and cashless forms of payment. Regardless of which dispensary you choose, remember, it’s supposed to be a laid-back atmosphere. Enjoy your time and don’t hesitate to ask for guidance!

Ready to make an adult use purchase at The Citizen? Learn more on The Citizen by Klutch website or visit their dispensaries in Lorain or Canton.