As Ohio braces for the onset of recreational marijuana sales, local dispensaries in Cleveland are gearing up for expected increased demand starting next Tuesday. Shangri La Dispensary on St. Clair Avenue is poised for a significant uptick in business, procuring a dual license to sell medical and recreational cannabis. "We've been waiting since the vote came through last November", General Manager Michael Hughes told Cleveland19.com, expressing relief and anticipation for clarity after a year of regulatory uncertainty.

Working around the clock, staff at dispensaries like The Citizen in Lorain and Canton are preparing for what could be extensive lines come Tuesday, drawn by the allure of newly legal cannabis products. Pete Nischt, vice president of compliance and communications at Klutch Cannabis, indicated to Cleveland.com that they predict a surge of newcomers and anticipate the market stabilizing post-initial rush.

Starting August 6, Ohioans 21 and older will be eligible to legally purchase marijuana recreationally, a measure supported by 57% of voters last fall. The Ohio Division of Cannabis Control has overseen the transition of medical marijuana dispensaries to dual-use establishments since Ohio voters sanctioned Issue 2 in November 2023. In a statement obtained by WFMJ, Corey Groner of Green Leaf Therapy in Struthers shared their strategy for managing anticipated high traffic flow, saying, "You'll get your provisional license which means you're ready to go."

It's about customer service improvements, compliance, and adherence to regulatory guidelines. These dual-licensed dispensaries have a history of serving medical patients responsibly, and the same set of strict marijuana rules and regulations will extend to recreational users over 21. The dispensaries, ready to open their doors on Tuesday, are set to operate under these continued standards of regulatory adherence. "Then you would get ready to start selling but can't do anything until you get your COO (Certificate of Operation)", Groner explained to WFMJ, highlighting the final step in the preparation process.