Where recreational marijuana sales are banned in Northeast Ohio
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Nearly a year ago, Ohioans voted to legalize recreational marijuana, but whether you can buy it in your community depends on where you live.
Why it matters: The recreational marijuana business is booming, and cities and townships that ban sales within their boundaries are forgoing economic benefits like jobs and sales tax revenue.
By the numbers: As of Oct. 22, more than 100 Ohio localities had opted to enact local moratoriums that override the state law — more than double the bans reported in March.
- About half are in effect indefinitely, according to an ongoing analysis from Ohio State's Drug Enforcement and Policy Center.
State of play: Though possession and personal cultivation of cannabis became legal in Ohio on Dec. 7, 2023, licensed recreational sales didn't start until Aug. 6 due to regulatory hurdles.
- Currently, sales are only happening at dispensaries that already sold medical marijuana, but the state is in the process of licensing new recreational dispensaries.
Zoom in: Cuyahoga County communities with moratoriums in place include Beachwood, Independence, Middleburg Heights, North Olmsted, North Royalton, Orange, Richmond Heights, Strongsville and Westlake.
Yes, but: Even if you live somewhere with a moratorium, it's still legal to possess marijuana and grow up to six plants at home.
What they're saying: A majority of moratoriums cite the need to preserve public health and safety, per OSU's analysis.
- But many localities are also taking a wait-and-see approach during the initial rollout — especially after state lawmakers spent months debating proposed changes to the rules voters approved.
Flashback: Many communities enacted similar local bans after Ohio legalized medical marijuana in 2016.
What we're watching: What cities with temporary moratoriums will do as their expiration dates approach.
- Lakewood's moratorium expired on July 31 and already has two active dispensaries.
- Richmond Heights' expired this month; Orange's will on Dec. 31 and Beachwood's will next January.