Ohio recreational marijuana sales top $240 million in 2024

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The sale of recreational marijuana has proven to be quite profitable for the state, closing out last year with a big number.   

According to the Ohio division of cannabis control marijuana sales throughout the state topped $242 million by the end of 2024.    

"I think it shows that people really want it,” said Darius Walters of the Nar Reserve dispensary. “They wanted to pass this law, they want cheaper weed, they want to be able to stay home. They want to be able to spend money here and have that convenience."    

Dispensaries also note that industry is only going to get bigger in the state as time goes on, especially if new rules like the sale of pre-rolls are approved.      

"Everyday we're getting more and more patients,” Walters said. “We're letting you know different ways to save money, educate themselves on what they're doing and allow it to be stigma free. So we're only going to make more and more money.  I wouldn't be surprised if we crack a billion prior to 2026."    

There have also been talks in the statehouse about changing the number of plants someone can grow in their home and cutting back THC levels in products, but some dispensaries don't necessarily oppose few regulations.    

“There have been a lot of numbers of children taking advantage of their parents stashes and, you know, the regulations are only going to help us stop that,” Walters said. “ It is not for children and it's 21 plus, 18 plus and it is for a reason. So I think to regulate it properly may cause friction for a couple of people, but it'll help a lot of lives.”      

Dispensaries are still waiting for the approval of a new rules package that would allow the sale of pre-rolls.