Ohio’s First Year of Legal Marijuana Sales Surpasses $702 Million
Ohio has reached a significant milestone in its first year of legal recreational marijuana sales, with a total of $702.5 million in sales and 109,706 pounds of product sold as of August 2. According to the Ohio Department of Commerce, the average price per gram was $6.63 during the week of July 27 to August 2.
The state’s legal marijuana market began in August 2024, following a citizen-initiated law that passed with 57% of the vote in 2023. While some experts had predicted higher revenue, Ohio Cannabis Coalition Executive Director David Bowling noted that the current revenue is “not terrible” and that there is still work to be done in educating the public about the legal availability of marijuana in Ohio.
Klutch Cannabis, a dispensary with four locations in Northeast Ohio, has seen a steady stream of customers, including those who have never used marijuana before. According to Pete Nischt, vice president of compliance and communications for Klutch Cannabis, the state-regulated market has helped alleviate concerns about the safety and quality of products.
Ohio currently has 159 licensed dispensaries, with no limit on the number of licenses. However, lawmakers have introduced bills to make changes to the state’s marijuana laws. Senate Bill 56, which passed in the Senate, aims to reduce the THC levels in adult-use marijuana extracts, limit the number of active dispensaries, and prohibit smoking in most public places. The bill also seeks to regulate intoxicating hemp products, which are currently unregulated.
Ohio lawmakers have yet to take action on the bill, but Bowling is hopeful that they will address the issue of intoxicating hemp products, which he believes will help push the program forward. With the next legislative session set to begin in October, Bowling is optimistic that lawmakers will make progress on the issue.
