Ohio now anticipates some medical cannabis sales in December

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A starting point might finally be in sight for Ohio’s long-delayed medical marijuana market.

A spokeswoman for the Ohio Department of Commerce said small amounts of cannabis likely will be available for sale before the end of the year.

The agency’s Kerry Francis told The Columbus Dispatch that the state’s first harvested marijuana plants are expected to be processed, tested and on dispensary shelves in December.

She also said that large amounts of MMJ likely will be available at Ohio dispensaries starting early in 2019.

Francis acknowledged that delays in certifying testing labs that gauge potency and examine plant products for contamination thwarted plans to make cannabis available this month.

Ohio approved a medical marijuana program in 2016 and targeted a September 2018 launch.

But the program was beset by problems, including initial concerns that physicians would be reluctant to recommend medical cannabis.

However, nearly 320 doctors have registered to become recommending physicians for people who have one or more of Ohio’s 21 qualifying medical conditions for legal cannabis use.

According to Marijuana Business Factbook 2018 projections, Ohio’s MMJ market has the potential to generate upwards of $300 million in annual retail sales within a few years of the commencement of sales.

– Associated Press and Marijuana Business Daily