Ohio legalized medical cannabis in 2016 and has since advanced to adult-use legalization. Issue 2, passed by voters on November 7, 2023, legalized recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older. Possession of up to 2.5 ounces (public use) and 15 grams of extracts, as well as home cultivation of up to six plants per person (maximum of 12 plants per household), became legal starting December 7, 2023. The first licensed adult-use sales began on August 6, 2024.
The Ohio Division of Cannabis Control (DCC), under the Department of Commerce, was established to regulate adult-use operators—cultivators, processors, testing labs, and dispensaries. Rulemaking authority includes licensing protocols, security standards, testing requirements, product forms, packaging and labeling, electronic inventory tracking, and more.
Under Issue 2, revenue from adult-use cannabis is taxed at 10 percent, allocated to administrative costs, addiction treatment, social equity and jobs programs, and communities hosting dispensaries. Dual licensing—medical dispensaries applying to also sell adult-use products—was enabled in early 2024, with applications accepted in June and first sales projected by mid-June or early July.
However, while Ohio permits adult-use cannabis statewide, many local jurisdictions have enacted moratoria on retail sales. As of late 2024, over 100 municipalities in Northeast Ohio had banned recreational sales, reflecting locally varying zoning and political preferences.
Akron’s situation: Recreational cannabis is not sold in the city; no adult-use dispensaries operate there. Nonetheless, medical cannabis dispensaries are permitted under Akron city code—but only with a valid local operating license and compliance with both municipal and state law. These dispensaries can offer a range of medical products—tinctures, creams, oils, topicals, vape products, capsules, lotions, edibles, patches, and flower—but recreational cannabis remains unavailable in Akron.
Medical purchases in Akron must occur via an in-person, face-to-face exchange; online ordering with home delivery is not permitted under state rules. Prospective buyers must present valid medical registry information and photo ID at the dispensary. Additionally, dispensaries are usually cash-only or debit-only, not accepting credit cards.
From Akron’s municipal zoning perspective, local legislation stipulates that dispensaries—presumably including adult-use in future—must not be located within 500 feet of schools, churches, parks, playgrounds, or libraries, and must be situated in commercially zoned districts.
Summary for Residents and Visitors
- Possession & Home Grow: Adults 21+ statewide may possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis (15 grams extracts) and grow up to six plants per person, 12 per household (Akron included).
- Purchasing Cannabis: No adult-use dispensaries currently operate in Akron, and local zoning or moratoria may delay their arrival.
- Medical Cannabis: Available to registered patients via licensed Akron dispensaries, subject to city licensing and in-person only transactions.
- Local Requirements: Dispensaries must adhere to setback and zoning rules, such as remaining 500 feet from sensitive areas and operating only in commercial zones.