Where you can buy recreational marijuana in Cleveland
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Nearly 100 marijuana dispensaries across Ohio have the green light to start recreational sales today, including 22 in Northeast Ohio.
Why it matters: It's been nine months since 55% of Ohioans voted to legalize recreational marijuana sales and possession for the first time in state history.
- The sales are expected to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in state tax revenue and boost business for the 120-plus dispensaries statewide.
Driving the news: The state Division of Cannabis Control issued certificates of operation today to 98 businesses, the last regulatory hurdle of a relatively smooth process.
- It's up to each dispensary to decide when to begin selling.
Zoom in: A dozen in Cuyahoga County were issued certificates.
- Several, including The Botanist, Rise, The Landing, Nectar and Amplify, have already confirmed they'll start today.
How it works: Buyers must be 21 with an ID. Some dispensaries may only accept cash while offering an ATM on site, and there will be limits on transactions.
- Only products already legal under the state's medical marijuana program will be available until non-medical rules are finalized next month.
- Separately, anyone 21 and older can possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis in most forms and grow up to six plants at home.
What they're saying: "We're very excited to provide a tested, regulated, safe product to cannabis consumers in Ohio that are currently forced, for the most part, to go to the illegal market," Andy Rayburn, CEO of Buckeye Relief, tells Axios.
- Rayburn's company operates Amplify dispensaries in Columbus and Northeast Ohio.
Between the lines: Don't expect opening day to include much fanfare, though. State guidelines forbid free samples, outdoor ribbon cuttings, food, music and unapproved signs and decor, the Dayton Daily News reports.
The big picture: Initially certificates of operation are only being issued to existing medical marijuana dispensaries.
- The state plans to award more certificates this week and is in the process of approving licenses for new dispensary locations that should open in the "coming months and years."
Here's the list of Cuyahoga County dispensaries that have been granted certificates so far:
- Amplify (1782 Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights)
- Amplify (22803 Rockside Road, Bedford)
- Ayr (27900 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere)
- The Botanist (3865 Lakeside Ave. E, Cleveland)
- The Landing Dispensary (1978 W. 3rd St., Cleveland)
- Nectar (21100 Saint Clair Ave., Euclid)
- Rise (1222 Prospect Ave. E in Cleveland)
- Rise (11818 Madison Ave., Lakewood)
- Rise (18607 Detroit Ave., Lakewood)
- Shangri-La Dispensary (4618 Saint Clair Ave., Cleveland)
- Terrasana (10500 Antenucci Blvd. Suite 200, Garfield Heights)
- Therapy Medical Cannabis (13429 Lakewood Heights Blvd., Cleveland)