Central Ohio Cities Postpone Marijuana Sales Despite Statewide Legalization
With nearly 200 dispensary applications already submitted to the Division of Cannabis Control (DCC), recreational marijuana sales could commence in Ohio imminently. While many businesses gear up for dual-use sales, a total of 68 local moratoriums were enacted by Ohio jurisdictions as of July 19, 2024, reflecting concerns over public health, safety and regulatory preparedness. These local bans illustrate the complex landscape of cannabis legalization in the state.
Local Prohibition Statute And Host Community Fund
On November 7, 2023, Ohio became the 24th state to legalize adult-use cannabis, with 57% of voters supporting Issue 2. This issue included Ohio Revised Code Section 3780.25, allowing localities to ban adult-use cannabis businesses, similar to 20 other states. The code protects medical cannabis operators and marijuana-related research at state universities from local ordinances. To encourage municipalities to host cannabis businesses, Ohio established the Host Community Fund, which allocates 36% of recreational cannabis excise tax revenue to communities with adult-use dispensaries, offering financial benefits and local sales tax revenue.