Lake County Times

The Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR) has concluded its review of the Division of Cannabis Control’s dual-use licensure rules, according to an announcement by JCARR Co-Chair State Rep. Jamie Callender (R-Concord). The rules can now be final filed by the Division of Cannabis Control as early as May 27th and begin accepting applications for dual-use licenses ahead of their June 7, 2024 deadline.

The Division of Cannabis Control was established following the passage of Issue 2 in November, 2023. It was tasked with creating an application process for existing medical marijuana dispensaries, processors, and cultivators to apply for a dual-use license. This license, known as a 10(B) license by the Division of Cannabis Control, will allow these existing medical cannabis licensees to incorporate the sale, cultivation, or processing of adult-use cannabis into their existing business operations.

"Thank you to the members of the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review for their thoughtful consideration of the rule package proposed by the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control,” said Tom Haren, spokesman for the Ohio Cannabis Coalition (OHCANN). “OHCANN and our members look forward to continuing to work with Rep. Callender, the Committee, and the Division to develop a safe and regulated cannabis market for adult Ohioans. Together we can put an end to the unregulated illicit market."

With JCARR's review process complete, one more administrative hurdle has been cleared towards legalizing adult use cannabis in Ohio. Once the Division of Cannabis Control files these rules with the Ohio Secretary of State — a step referred to as final filing — they will take effect and application processing can commence.

“I want to thank Superintendent Canepa and the team at the Division of Cannabis Control for their diligent efforts in getting these rules through the JCARR process well ahead of their June 7th deadline,” said Callender. “Ohioans spoke clearly last November and Superintendent Canepa has worked with the cannabis industry to bring adult-use cannabis to the people of Ohio.”

Additional rule packages will continue to be processed through JCARR as the Division of Cannabis Control implements further aspects of Issue 2.