Recreational Marijuana Hits in Marietta, Ohio

Ohio's cannabis industry just expanded, with adult-use marijuana sales officially starting today, including in Marietta. Columbia Care, part of The Cannabist Company, opened its doors at 414 Greene St. at 8 a.m., welcoming both medical and recreational customers.

As Ohio transitions into recreational cannabis sales, dispensaries are already expanding their operations. This echoes sentiments from other parts of the state, such as Green Leaf Therapy in Struthers, which expressed its readiness to expand into the adult-use market if recreational marijuana were legalized, as reported by the Marietta Times on October 18, 2023. Dispensaries like Green Leaf and The Cannabist Company are bracing for an influx of customers while ensuring smooth operations for both medical and recreational use.

The Ohio Division of Cannabis Control (DCC) fast-tracked dual-use certificates for 98 dispensaries, allowing those with existing medical licenses to begin recreational sales ahead of the state’s original deadline. With demand expected to surge, dispensaries like The Cannabist Company are bracing for increased traffic and revenue opportunities, setting up dual lines to keep medical and recreational separated.

Managing the Surge: Best Practices for Cannabis Retailers

Handling this influx of new customers will require careful planning. According to Erick Rodriguez, The Cannabist Company’s VP of Retail Operations, medical patients will remain the priority, but the recreational line is expected to stay busy. Employees should be ready to assist adult-use customers with the same products available to medical patients, including flower, edibles, tinctures, and topicals. Training staff to answer questions and help new customers make informed decisions will be crucial, especially since recreational buyers can now purchase a 10-day supply—such as 1 ounce of flower or up to 10 packages of edibles.

As more customers walk through the door, efficient service and knowledgeable staff will help retain both medical and recreational shoppers. This expansion isn’t just about sales; it’s about creating a welcoming environment for new customers while ensuring loyal medical patients feel valued.

Opportunities for Cannabis Retail Employees

The expansion of recreational marijuana in Ohio brings with it significant economic benefits for cannabis retail employees. At The Cannabist Company, jobs start at $16 an hour, and the dispensary has already added five new staff members to meet demand, with plans to hire more. Recreational customers will also pay a 10% excise tax, a portion of which flows back to local jurisdictions, strengthening the economic ties between dispensaries and their communities.

This is a prime time for cannabis professionals looking to advance or secure new positions. According to Vangst’s 2024 Cannabis Industry Salary Guide, 86% of cannabis companies expect to hire more staff this year, with dispensary roles in high demand. Retail workers can leverage this growth to negotiate better pay or seek promotional opportunities as the market expands.

Law Enforcement and Compliance: Stay on Track

While recreational sales are now legal in Ohio, compliance with both state and local laws remains critical. Rodriguez emphasized the importance of responsible customer behavior and strict adherence to the law. With law enforcement providing support for today’s launch, cannabis retailers should ensure their operations remain compliant, especially with regulations around product limits and ID checks for recreational users.

For cannabis professionals, this transition into recreational sales represents a huge opportunity to grow in the industry while supporting the expansion of legal cannabis in Ohio. As the market evolves, so do the chances for career advancement, customer engagement, and strengthening the role of cannabis retailers in the community.