Ohio’s Cities Reap Rewards from Recreational Marijuana Sales
As the first anniversary of recreational marijuana sales in Ohio approaches, the city of Columbus is reaping the financial benefits. According to figures from the Ohio Department of Taxation, Columbus has collected over $4.7 million in excise tax revenue since August 2024, making it the top-earning city in the state.
Initially, sales were slow, but revenue has been steadily increasing since then. The 10% excise tax collected on each sale is divided, with cities receiving 36% and the state’s general fund receiving the remainder. However, the state delayed reimbursement payments to local governments, which finally started in January.
Adrienne Robbins, deputy executive director of the Ohio Cannabis Coalition, praised the delayed reimbursements, saying, “This was funding that these communities have been waiting on. It’s certainly something they were promised.”
Not all cities in Franklin County have welcomed recreational marijuana sales. Whitehall is the only other city besides Columbus that has allowed dispensaries. Other cities, such as Dublin, have banned them outright, while others, like Grove City, have imposed strict regulations on their location. Despite meeting Grove City’s narrow regulations, a dispensary was still rejected by the city council.
As the recreational marijuana industry continues to grow in Ohio, cities like Columbus are benefiting from the increased revenue.
