Trulieve Cannabis, a prominent multistate cannabis operator based in Florida and known as the largest dispensary chain in the state, has recently made its mark in Ohio by opening its first medical marijuana dispensary. The Columbus store, which opened on Wednesday, aims to provide patients in Ohio with access to high-quality medical cannabis products.
Joining Trulieve in expanding operations to Ohio is another Florida-based multistate operator, Ayr Wellness. Ayr announced that it has signed an option agreement to acquire 100% equity interest in Twice the Wellness, a dispensary located in Woodmere, a Cleveland suburb. This agreement is part of Ayr’s strategy to establish a presence in Ohio and expand its reach in the state’s cannabis market. Ayr has previously announced agreements to acquire Daily Relief in Riverside, near Dayton, and Heaven Wellness in Clermont County, near Cincinnati. All three dispensaries are expected to open their doors before the end of this year.
In exciting news for patients, Ohio regulators have expanded the list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana use. Irritable bowel syndrome has been added to the list, offering relief to individuals suffering from this condition. However, the addition of autism or obsessive-compulsive disorder has not yet been approved, as reported by The Columbus Dispatch.
Despite the progress made in the medical marijuana program, advocates in Ohio have renewed their efforts to push for the legalization of adult-use cannabis. They believe that legalizing cannabis for recreational purposes could bring about numerous benefits to the state, including economic growth, job creation, and increased tax revenue.
Trulieve’s entry into Ohio’s medical cannabis market, along with Ayr Wellness’s expansion plans and the developments in the qualifying conditions, mark significant milestones for these MSO’s goals to become the #1. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, MMJ patients in Ohio can look forward to enhanced access to medical marijuana options, while advocates work towards broader cannabis reform for the future.
