Ohio’s Cannabis Evolution. From Medical Roots to Recreational Boom.

  • Medical cannabis became legal on June 8, 2016, under HB 523, making Ohio the 25th state to allow medical use. Dispensaries opened the first licenses in January 2019 and today serve over 400,000 registered patients. Read Ore: mpp.org
  • Recreational cannabis was legalized through Issue 2, a citizen-initiated constitutional amendment passed November 7, 2023, by a 57–43% margin. This law permits possession up to 2.5 oz, home cultivation of up to six plants per adult (maximum 12 per household), and adult-use sales through licensed dispensaries.
  • First adult-use sales began August 6, 2024, with the state issuing initial licenses to 98 existing medical dispensaries. Read More: ohiocapitaljournal.com

Current Market & Legislation

  • As of mid-2025, adult-use sales have reached $347 million.
  • Local control: Around 135 municipalities (cities or townships) have placed moratoriums or bans on adult-use cannabis businesses. Read More: moritzlaw.osu.edu
  • Legislation adjustments underway:
    • SB 56/HB 160 introduced early 2025 to revise Issue 2—options include lowering THC caps, limiting home grow, and restructuring licensing.
    • Proposals also aim to reallocate social equity tax revenues, potentially centralizing funds with the state instead of local jurisdictions. Read More: cannabisbusinesstimes.com

Delivery on the Horizon?

  • Ohio law currently does not allow recreational delivery, though existing medical delivery may persist under affidavit.
  • The 2025 legislative session is exploring adult-use delivery bills, potentially adapting medical delivery frameworks for wider access—especially in areas where storefronts are limited.

Top 3 Cannabis Companies in Ohio

Here are three of the industry’s most influential operators:

1. Cresco Labs

  • A national MSO with vertical operations in Ohio (cultivation, processing, retail), Crest ranks with popular in-state brands like Clear Space and Mindy’s.
  • Backed by strong capital and expansion strategies, Cresco is positioned to thrive in the recreational boom.

2. Curaleaf

  • The world’s largest cannabis company (by revenue), featuring multiple dispensaries in Ohio.
  • Vertical integration and established brand trust makes Curaleaf a consumer choice across medical and adult-use markets.

3. Terrasana Cannabis Co.

  • A homegrown Ohio brand with multiple dispensaries in Columbus, Cleveland, Fremont, Middletown, and Springfield. Learn More About: terrasanacannabisco.com
  • Serves both medical and adult-use customers, with plans to expand further—strong local brand recognition.

Delivery Outlook & Legislative Roadmap

  • Medical delivery already exists for registered patients.
  • Recreational delivery is under review in proposals like HB 168 introduced May 2025, aiming to legalize adult-use delivery in conjunction with other regulatory updates.
  • Passage depends on legislative alignment and local policymakers’ input—especially in moratorium-heavy areas.

Local Bans & Equity Issues

  • With 135 municipalities restricting adult-use shops, delivery could be the workaround—allowing access even if storefronts are banned .
  • Social equity: Issue 2’s model directs 36% of excise tax to social equity/job programs, another 36% to communities, and 25% to education/substance abuse programs, with 3% for administration. Proposed changes in House/Senate bills may reroute these funds centrally—sparking debate over intended voter allocations.

Why Ohio Matters

  1. Midwestern model: Ohio is now the 24th state, bridging northern and southern cannabis markets.
  2. Voter-driven legalization: Issue 2 showcases grassroots support and a democratic model of legalization.
  3. Strong economic impact: Hundreds of millions in sales, thousands of jobs, and new tax revenues entering state and local systems.
  4. Strategic companies: MSOs like Cresco and Curaleaf are establishing deep roots here, while local brands like Terrasana thrive regionally.

Top Three Companies

Ohio’s cannabis journey has been nothing short of explosive—from medical legalization in 2016 to the historic voter-led recreational policy in 2023, and first adult-use sales in 2024. With top-tier companies like Cresco, Curaleaf, and Terrasana now running robust operations, Ohio has emerged as a Midwest cannabis hub. Thanks to both local legislative action and emerging state law, future access may extend through delivery once reform passes. As Ohio’s market continues to mature—with new taxes, equity programs, and possible delivery infrastructure—it’s on track to become a national cannabis standard.