Many Ohioans are likely planning to celebrate the start of recreational marijuana sales in the state, but don’t expect a festival-like atmosphere at dispensaries.
In fact, Ohio recently released guidelines for what the shops are allowed, and largely not allowed, to do to commemorate the start of the new recreational industry.
Last week, the Division of Cannabis Control issued guidance related to dual-use dispensaries’ “opening day” activities.
The prohibitions include:
- No consumption of cannabis
- No samples – infused or uninfused
- No music outside the dispensary
- No food trucks/other food offered for sale or complimentary
- No product displays outside the dispensary
- No celebratory décor/unapproved signage outside the dispensary
- No ribbon cuttings outside the dispensary
The restrictions apply to the dispensary premises, parking lots and other property the dispensary controls.
Dispensaries are allowed:
- Music inside the dispensary (not live)
- Non-alcoholic beverages may be provided to guests complimentary inside the dispensary
- Product displays by cultivator or processor (empty packaging/no cannabis) inside the dispensary, not visible from the exterior of the building
- Approved signage and celebratory décor inside the dispensary
- Ribbon cuttings inside the dispensary
In addition, dispensaries must ensure the confidentiality of adult-use consumers on the premises, and no video or photos can be taken in the dispensaries without the consent of those inside.
All advertising must be submitted to the division for approval before it can be used, and violating the division’s rules could result in an up to $50,000 penalty per violation, among other punishments.
