Ohio medical cannabis entrepreneurs seek residency rules

Ohio entrepreneurs looking to venture into the marijuana industry are calling on state regulators to institute a residency requirement for those seeking cultivation licenses.

According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, several entrepreneurs spoke out during a public comment period this week and urged the Ohio Department of Commerce to require license holders to hail from Ohio.

 Up for grabs are 12 larger-scale grower licenses and 12 smaller-operation licenses. The applications favor proof that the applicant’s operations are headquartered in Ohio, the business is owned by locals and workers are hired from in-state. But none of that is required, the Plain Dealer reported.

Lawmakers are expected to meet in a couple of weeks to discuss the rules, and the rulemaking deadline is May 6.

Applicants for dispensary and processor licenses also aren’t required to reside in Ohio.