Ohio cannabis sales top $1 billion in first full year of adult-use retail

Ohio cannabis retailers recorded more than $836 million in nonmedical sales in 2025, the state’s first full year of legal adult-use marijuana.

With medical cannabis dispensaries reporting $233 million in sales, total Ohio marijuana sales in 2025 surpassed $1.06 billion, according to Ohio Department of Commerce data.

The initial five months of recreational sales saw just over $242 million. Increased retail openings across the state helped legal marijuana in Ohio gain momentum in 2025, with adult-use sales standing at more than $700 million in August.

Meanwhile, the state’s medical program continues, albeit at a much slower pace.

Cannabis prices drop as market matures, retail opportunities dwindle

However, as is typical as adult-use marijuana markets mature, prices are trending down.

The average retail price for manufactured marijuana products dropped to $23.83 early this month, compared to $26.66 the same time last year.

The average price of cannabis flower stood at $6.41, compared to $6.85 in January 2025, according to the state Division of Cannabis Control.

Ohio has 190 stores that sell both medical and recreational cannabis, but local restrictions are putting a cap on further growth.

As of December, more than 130 cities and townships across the state have put moratoriums in place, banning adult-use sales.

How will the hemp THC ban affect Ohio adult-use marijuana sales?

Meanwhile, new rules around hemp THC as well as new potency caps on legal cannabis market portend changes.

That’s in large part due to Senate Bill 56, which Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law last month and takes effect in March.

THC will be limited to 70% in extracts, down from 90%, and flower will be capped at 35%.

Intoxicating hemp products will be banned, except for at regulated cannabis retailers.

Tighter transport and packaging rules also will be implemented, requiring marijuana to be kept in its original packaging and drivers to store products in the trunk.

The law also forbids bringing in legal cannabis from another state.

Cannabis industry seeks to nullify new regulations, THC potency caps

Not everyone is on board with the changes.

Industry group Ohioans for Cannabis Choice has started a referendum effort to overturn SB56, according to the Ohio Capital Journal.

The group submitted an initial batch of signatures to Secretary of State Frank LaRose.

If Attorney General Dave Yost certifies the petition summary, activists will have 90 days from the date the law was filed to gather enough valid signatures to get the issue on the statewide ballot.

If successful, it would be the first time Ohio voters overturned a state law through a referendum.