Nearly 100 marijuana dispensaries across Ohio have the green light to start recreational sales today, including 12 in Central 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: Several, including Trulieve (​​8295 Sancus Blvd.), Amplify (5304 N. Hamilton Road) and Bloom Medicinals (1361 Georgesville Road) locally, have confirmed they'll start today.

How it works: Buyers must be at least 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 Ohio's medical marijuana program will be available until new non-medical rules are finalized next month. (That means you can't buy pre-rolled joints or seeds yet.)
• 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."

Go deeper: Read a full list of local dispensaries approved for sales today and explore a statewide map.

🌀 Ohio Task Force 1 sent 47 crew members to Florida last night to help with search and rescue and other efforts as Tropical Storm Debby slams the Southeast. (WBNS-TV)

🌍 Ohio's first African Chamber of Commerce launched recently in Columbus to uplift businesses and advocate on behalf of the state's African community. (Dispatch)

🍩 Resch's Bakery plans to open a second location in Gahanna and relocate production there, likely by spring. (614 Magazine)

👶 Intensely personal decisions about children and family are becoming a fierce political battleground, with Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) giving the pro-natalist movement its biggest platform yet. (Axios)

"There's such a great scientific method to be had when it comes to ice cream."

The intrigue: It's made with liquid nitrogen.

Dig in: A trio of different flavors is available each month online and for pickup at The Kitchen, 231 E. Livingston Ave., where Boninsegna is the executive chef.

Readers seem a little skeptical of our city's newest marketing campaign, "Yes, Columbus," which we described as embracing "our relative obscurity."

• Some of you gave your own suggestions of how Columbus should sell itself:

💭 Alexander T.: As a Columbus (and Ohio) transplant who has lived here for nearly a decade, the city doesn't feel like it has a cohesive identity in the same way other major cities do. There's lots of reasons to love Columbus — championship sports teams, a vibrant art and music scene, exceptional food, leading industry employers, etc. — but those things often feel disconnected.

• In response, my pitch for a city slogan is "City of Possibilities" … give people a reason to check it out rather than just remind them we exist.

❗ Matt W.: I don't think "Yes, Columbus" is going to bolster our city's brand too much — they couldn't even spare an exclamation point!

• Personally, I'm OK with Columbus not being the hot place to visit. I just moved back here after eight years in Nashville and by the end of that run I was sick of living in a tourist town.
• If I had to pick a new slogan, I'd go with "Columbus? YOU'LL LOVE IT!!!" because it looks a little unhinged with all caps and three exclamation points, and it sounds halfway excited about the city.

😬 Alex S.: "Yes, Columbus" … read: "Yes, we're needy with low self esteem. Please love us."