Ohio cannabis dispensaries top $50 million in first month of recreational sales

Recreational marijuana sales in Ohio surpassed $50 million in the month since adults could start buying cannabis, according to new state data (Source: “Ohio dispensaries sold millions of dollars of recreational marijuana in first month,” Columbus Dispatch, Sept. 9).
 
The Division of Cannabis Control said dispensaries sold nearly $54.6 million in recreational products as of Saturday, about one month after they opened their doors to customers 21 and older. There are 123 dispensaries licensed to sell recreational and medical cannabis in Ohio, and the state is preparing to issue additional licenses for new stores.
 
Recreational marijuana products get a 10% excise tax, which goes toward the state's social equity and jobs program, municipalities with dispensaries, a substance use fund and administrative costs. Medical marijuana patients don't have to pay the tax.