We’re buzzing with excitement about the Buckeye State! Now that medical and recreational cannabis sales are legal in Ohio, the potential for cultivating a vibrant cannabis industry is at all of our fingertips. Like the rich, fertile soils of Ohio that support a diverse range of agriculture, the cannabis industry also requires dedicated cultivation and attention to flourish. That’s where we come in!
In one of our previous blogs, we discussed why we are excited for medical cannabis marketing in Georgia. In this blog we’ll dive into why we are so excited about medical and recreational cannabis marketing in Ohio.
Ohio’s Medical Cannabis Laws
Ohio’s cannabis journey started in September 2016 when medical cannabis was legalized. This has been a game-changer for many folks looking for relief from various health conditions. The state has set up a program to ensure everything runs smoothly and safely for everyone involved.
First, to access medical cannabis in Ohio, you need a green light from a doctor who holds a Certificate to Recommend (CTR), which means they are certified by the state to recommend medical cannabis. They’ll check if you have qualifying conditions such as chronic pain, PTSD, or multiple sclerosis, among many others.
Once you have your doctor’s recommendation, you’re on your way to getting an official Ohio Medical Marijuana Card! With this card in hand, you can visit state-approved dispensaries. Whether you’re looking for oils, tinctures, edibles, patches, or flower, there’s something for everyone’s needs.
Ohio’s approach is all about safety and education. The state keeps a close eye on things to make sure everything is up to snuff (so that patients are getting the right product, in the right way, and for the right reasons). And remember, while Ohio has opened its arms to medical cannabis, it’s still important to follow the rules. This means using it responsibly, keeping it away from kids, and not taking it out of state.
Ohio’s Recreational Cannabis Laws
Ohio’s cannabis industry got even more accessible when recreational cannabis was legalized in December of 2023. A whole new chapter has just opened up, and we’re all starting on a new page together! Here’s what you need to know about the new recreational cannabis laws in Ohio:
- You must be 21 or older to purchase or possess cannabis.
- You may possess up to 2.5 ounces for plants and 15 grams of extracts.
- Homegrown cannabis will be allowed at six plants per household.
- The THC content limit for plant material is a level of 35%.
- Automatic expungements for any conviction involving 2.5 ounces and below upon application to the court.
- Proceeds from recreational cannabis sales will be used for legal representation for those seeking expungements.
- The approved tax on the sale of cannabis products has increased from 10% to 15%, but the law has removed the proposed 15% extra tax on cultivators.
- The public consumption of cannabis remains illegal, as does bringing cannabis across state lines and driving under the influence of cannabis.
Ohio’s Cannabis Social Equity & Jobs Program
As professionals in the cannabis space, it’s up to us to right the wrongs of the War on Drugs while keeping social equity at the forefront of our work. That’s why we’re especially excited about Ohio’s Cannabis Social Equity and Jobs Program.
Ohio’s Cannabis Social Equity and Jobs Program ensures individuals most directly and adversely impacted by the enforcement of cannabis-related laws get a fair chance in this new legal landscape by offering financial assistance, loans, grants, and technical guidance. This allows previously disenfranchised individuals to not only set up their cannabis businesses but continue to foster growth and sustainability.
Additionally, the program emphasizes an inclusive approach toward hiring practices. By encouraging the employment of minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities, the initiative aligns with broader social equity goals. This aspect goes hand in hand with the program’s focus on fair labor practices and worker protections, indicating a holistic approach to business ethics in the cannabis industry.
The program’s scope extends to addressing larger systemic issues like judicial and criminal justice reform, especially in cannabis-related contexts. By examining and proposing changes in areas like bail, parole, and sentencing, the program acknowledges the complex relationship between the cannabis industry and the broader legal system.
Also, the emphasis on funding direct investments in disproportionately impacted communities showcases a commitment to repairing historical injustices and fostering social equity in areas such as education, entrepreneurship, and the arts.
Ohio’s Cannabis Social Equity and Jobs Program represents a well-thought-out, multi-dimensional approach to fostering equity in the cannabis industry, and we want to be a part of making those changes a reality.
PufCreativ: Your Go-To Destination for Achieving Cannabis Marketing Goals in Ohio!
PufCreativ stands as your premier choice for elevating your cannabis business’s presence. Be it a dispensary, cultivation venture, or any entity within the cannabis sphere, we’re here to support you.
Our specialty is exemplary, award-winning marketing and brand development solutions, serving a diverse clientele, including B2B, B2C, and MSO entities. Our suite of cannabis marketing offerings is quite remarkable, too. From developing your brand’s visual identity through packaging and logo design to building captivating websites, devising strategic social media plans, crafting engaging content, and managing public relations – we cover it all.
Partnering with us means entrusting your entire marketing blueprint, from overarching strategy to the finer details, to our adept creative team. We wholeheartedly commit to nurturing your cannabis business’s growth and success. Let’s ignite your vision and transform it into reality!
Are you an up-and-coming cannabis business in Ohio looking to make an impact? Contact us today!
*The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.*
