Cannabis sales in Ohio hit $2.5 billion, spurred by recreational purchases

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio's cannabis sales have topped $2.5 billion as of March 15, in large part thanks to recreational sales.

According to data from the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control, marijuana sales hit $2.506 billion this month. With more than $390 million made from nonmedical sales in the past seven months, recreational sales have fueled the industry's growth. The milestone comes as Ohio lawmakers debate cannabis reform, including limits on the tax revenue marijuana sales generate for local municipalities.

In November 2023, 57% of Ohio voters approved recreational marijuana in the Buckeye State. Medical sales began a few years earlier in January 2019, and recreational sales began in August 2024. When recreational sales began, state data shows Ohio had not yet hit $2 billion in cannabis sales.

According to state data, two-thirds of all sales since August have been recreational. Without recreational sales, it is estimated that Ohio would not reach $2.5 billion in sales until October 26, 2025.

Using the average sales per day from December to March 15, Ohio's most recently released cannabis sale data, NBC4 calculated projected sales for June 2025. This projection would be a 22.4% increase in sales from December 2024.

In Ohio, nonmedical sales are subject to a 10% excise tax. As of March 10, this means recreational sales have contributed $37.6 million to the state this year alone. According to a study by Ohio State University's Mortiz College of Law, Ohio could collect around $62 million from recreational marijuana sales by the end of 2025.

Much of this money goes back into local communities. Of the tax funds collected by the state, Ohio State estimates about $22 million would be allocated to the Host Community Cannabis Fund. This fund redistributes cannabis tax dollars to the municipality hosting a dispensary. OSU estimated each of Ohio's 175 dispensaries would generate about $175,000 for its host community.

However, local funding is being questioned at the state level. Gov. Mike DeWine's proposed 2026-27 budget recommends removing the Host Community fund entirely. Two other pending state bills would change Ohio's cannabis laws, one of which would cap how much host communities could earn. See previous coverage of these proposed changes in the video player above.

Ohio State's study spoke with municipalities about possible revenue loss, many of which said the cannabis tax was set to help fund local fire, police and parks. Without it, some communities said they would have to look at income tax adjustments or possible layoffs. The city of Milford, for instance, told OSU it would lose about $100,000 annually if the host fund was eliminated.

"I would say that part of our decision for allowing marijuana facilities in the community was due to the potential revenue," representatives from Euclid said. "I view it [as] a broken promise if they change the host community fund provision. Funds would have been used to support safety services and community improvements.”

Ohio's General Assembly will continue weighing marijuana reform legislation. Although both bills have been referred to House committees for deliberation, neither has a hearing scheduled.