Seth Byrd and Alex Pearson
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — The answer to when someone can legally purchase recreational marijuana from a reputable business in Ohio remains unavailable.
The Ohio Division of Cannabis Control (ODCC) claims they’re working to speed up the process for medical dispensaries that want to have dual licensure.
The ODCC is focusing on the application process for current medical marijuana dispensaries to obtain dual licensure. This would allow them to sell their medical products as recreational.
However, medical dispensaries want more direction to be ready when licenses are approved.
“We got very excited about it passing and then we don’t know really what to do to move forward because we don’t have the rules yet,” said Travey McMillin, COO of Pure Ohio Wellness.
McMillen says they’re doing what they can to be ready for potentially more customers.
“We have tried to increase our current prize space by adding the ranking system so that we can produce more flower. We are planning to expand,” said McMillin. Though McMillin says no moves will be made until they know when they can sell to customers.
The application process for currently licensed medical marijuana facilities is designed to be a simple one: they have to have a point of contact, demonstrate they don’t share offices with a testing laboratory, comply with tax laws, and not be employed by a regulatory agency.
“They don’t want us to be intertwined in any way. That wouldn’t be fair. And that isn’t new rules. That’s the way it’s always been,” said McMillin.
No sale of any non-medical cannabis is permitted until licenses have been issued and facilities are certified. McMillin hopes they speed up the process because of the damage a black market can do in the meantime.
“I think the faster they get the recreational rolling and legalized and in place, the better it is for that situation, 100%,” said McMillin.
The ODCC says they’re aiming to issue applications to current medical marijuana licenses by June 7. Then, they’ll award provisional ones for non-medical cannabis facilities by Sept. 7.