CLEVELAND — Recreational cannabis sales are nearing reality in Ohio.
The Ohio Division of Cannabis Control (DCC) has issued dozens of the state’s first dual certificates of operation for marijuana growers, processors and testing labs in recent weeks. This is so the facilities can begin working with both medical and recreational marijuana.
The DCC has not issued any certificates of operation to dispensaries to begin selling non-medical cannabis.
The department could begin issuing the certificate of operation to approved dispensaries any day now.
Akron-based Klutch Cannabis was one of the first cannabis companies in Ohio to receive the dual-use certificate of operation for processing and cultivation.
“We’ve been hiring for months, we’ve been training people, and making sure the facilities are secure,” Klutch Cannabis VP of Compliance and Communications Pete Nischt said.
The DCC has prioritized cultivators, processors and labs in order to create enough supply for dispensaries. Data shows 134 dispensaries have been issued a provisional license to begin preparing recreational marijuana sales.
Recreational sales are prohibited until the dispensaries are issued certificates of operation, which is expected to happen on or before Sept. 7, according to the division.
In order for the dispensary to secure the certificate of operation, the provisional license recipients must prove they have updated the point-of-sale technology to distinguish between medical cannabis and adult-use sales and enhance security, along with other requirements established by the DCC.
“As a reminder, there will be no one singular day when sales begin,” a DCC spokesperson said, meaning the licenses could roll out individually to different dispensaries across Ohio.
“It’s in everyone’s best interest to make sure this goes well, and everyone follows the rules,” Nischt said.