Ohio Becomes The 24th State To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis Rendering Pennsylvania an Island

Last night Ohio overwhelmingly voted (57%-43%) to become the 24th state to legalize cannabis in the United States. What does this mean?

• The law becomes effective on December 7, 2023. 
• A Division of Cannabis Control is created within the Ohio Department of Commerce to implement rules, license operators, and generally regulate and enforce the program.
• A new round of licensing will ensue – a minimum of 40 cultivator licenses and 50 retailer licenses will be issued. 
• A social equity program will be implemented and social equity applicants will receive some level of preference in the issuance of the initial licenses.
• Existing medical cannabis companies can participate.
• Municipalities have the option to opt out of allowing new cannabis companies in their jurisdiction but cannot prevent existing medical cannabis companies from participating. 
• Authorize individuals 21 years or older to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and up to 15 grams of cannabis concentrates. 
• Home grow is permitted – up to 6 plants per individual; up to 12 plants per household.
• 10% tax will be levied on all cannabis sales.

With adult-use cannabis now being legal in Ohio, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York, Pennsylvania is now essentially an island. Most of Pennsylvania’s most populous cities are within a 30-minute drive of a now cannabis-legal state – every day Pennsylvania remains an island it loses out on potential tax dollars to neighboring states. Will this new development prompt Pennsylvania to speed up its consideration of adult-use cannabis? Only time will tell – check back here for updates!