Recreational marijuana sales high as a kite in Ohio
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Illustration: Shoshana Gordon/Axios
Marijuana sales in Ohio have skyrocketed since recreational transactions began two weeks ago.
Why it matters: Sales are expected to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in state tax revenue and increase business for the 125-plus dispensaries statewide that have already been selling medical marijuana.
- So far, Ohio's sales of recreational marijuana are tracking ahead of sales during the first few weeks of legalization in Michigan (2019) and Illinois (2020).
Catch up quick: Voters approved legalizing recreational sales last November.
- After extensive debate, the state finally began issuing dual-use certificates to businesses this month to sell both medical and recreational marijuana.
By the numbers: From Aug. 6-17, recreational marijuana sales exceeded $22 million.
- Medical sales totaled about $16 million during that same period, according to the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Cannabis Control.
- The roughly $38.5 million in combined sales is more than double the $18 million recorded during the same period last year.
Zoom in: Before recreational sales began, Ohio dispensaries averaged $12,740 per day in medical marijuana sales, according to Headset Data, a firm that tracks cannabis sales across the country.
- During the first three days of recreational sales, dispensaries were averaging $27,300 daily, an increase of 114%.
What they're saying: "Both foot traffic and net sales more than doubled on the first day of recreational sales compared to the average day this year," a representative for Curaleaf, which has a location in Cuyahoga Falls, said in a statement.
- AYR Wellness, which has locations in Dayton, Woodmere and Goshen, said recreational sales now make up two-thirds of the company's sales in the state.