Ohio’s marijuana industry is rapidly expanding, and Stark County is at the center of this growth with five new dispensaries opening their doors. These dispensaries will provide more options for both medical marijuana patients and recreational consumers, though not every dispensary will cater to both markets.
Ohio’s recreational marijuana sales officially launched on August 6th, and the industry has shifted, but there are still strong reasons why patients should consider getting or keeping their medical marijuana card. Let’s explore these new dispensaries and why having a medical marijuana card is still the best option for Ohio residents.
Where Are the New Marijuana Dispensaries in Stark County?
Five new marijuana dispensaries are set to open across Massillon, Canton, and Alliance. These locations will help meet the increasing demand for legal marijuana while giving both recreational users and medical patients more choices.
Here’s a look at where they’ll be located:
Massillon: Two dispensaries
Canton: Two dispensaries
Alliance: One dispensary
Some of these dispensaries are still in the final stages of approval, while others are preparing for their grand openings. However, it’s important to note that not every dispensary in Ohio will be selling to recreational customers. Only dispensaries that have obtained a dual-use license can serve both medical patients and recreational consumers.
Recreational Marijuana in Ohio
Ohio voters legalized recreational marijuana in November of 2023, and dispensaries began selling to adult-use customers on August 6, 2024. However, not all dispensaries can serve recreational customers right away.
To legally sell recreational marijuana, a dispensary must obtain a dual-use license from the state. This means that some dispensaries in Stark County may only be open for medical marijuana patients at first. If you plan to purchase marijuana for recreational use, it’s best to check ahead and confirm whether the dispensary you want to visit has a dual-use license.
Why You Should Still Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Ohio
Even though recreational marijuana is now legal in Ohio, having a medical marijuana card still offers several key benefits:
1. Medical Marijuana Has Lower Taxes Than Recreational Marijuana
In Ohio, recreational marijuana purchases include an additional 10% state excise tax. However, medical marijuana patients are exempt from this tax, reducing their overall costs. While medical marijuana is still subject to standard city taxes, patients can save significantly over time by avoiding the extra excise tax.
2. Higher Purchase Limits for Medical Marijuana Patients
Medical marijuana patients have access to higher purchase limits than recreational customers. Ohio’s recreational marijuana laws limit adult-use customers to smaller quantities per transaction. If you rely on marijuana for consistent symptom relief, having a medical card ensures you can purchase enough to meet your needs.
3. Special Discounts for Medical Marijuana Patients
Many dispensaries in Ohio offer exclusive discounts for medical marijuana patients. These discounts can range from loyalty rewards to percentage-off savings for cardholders. You can check individual dispensary pages to see which locations offer medical discounts.
4. Stronger Products and More Options
Medical marijuana patients often have access to higher potency products that may not be available to recreational users. Dispensaries also tend to reserve certain high-quality strains and concentrates for medical patients.
5. Legal Protections and Workplace Considerations
Having a medical marijuana card can provide additional legal protections in Ohio. While recreational marijuana is legal, employers still have the right to enforce drug-free workplace policies. Having a medical card may offer better legal standing if you use marijuana for a qualifying condition.
What to Expect From the New Stark County Dispensaries
Each of the five new dispensaries in Stark County is expected to bring something unique to the local marijuana market. Here’s a breakdown of what customers can expect:
More product variety – With new dispensaries opening, local patients and recreational users will have access to a wider range of strains, edibles, concentrates, and tinctures.
Better pricing and promotions – As more dispensaries open, competition could help lower prices and increase discounts for medical patients.
More accessibility – With dispensaries in Massillon, Canton, and Alliance, residents won’t have to travel far to find a licensed marijuana retailer.
Potential new medical-only locations – Some dispensaries may choose to cater exclusively to medical patients, ensuring quicker service and more premium options for those with cards.
Final Thoughts
The opening of five new marijuana dispensaries in Stark County is a major win for patients and recreational consumers alike. However, even with the launch of recreational sales, medical marijuana patients still have significant advantages in Ohio.
With lower taxes, better product access, and exclusive discounts, getting an Ohio medical marijuana card is still the best choice for those who use marijuana for health and wellness. If you’re a medical patient, these new dispensaries will give you even more access to high-quality marijuana products, but staying a medical patient ensures you’ll get the best deals and highest purchase limits available.
Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today!
Having a medical marijuana card in Ohio offers numerous benefits over recreational use. With your medical card, you gain access to higher-quality, lab-tested products, personalized care from knowledgeable physicians, and exclusive dispensary discounts, ensuring you receive safe, effective, and affordable relief. Not to mention, the tax savings are significant when you have your medical card.
Ohio’s medical marijuana program is tailored to prioritize patients’ needs, with evolving qualifying conditions and a commitment to improving access. Whether you’re managing chronic pain, anxiety, or another condition, your medical card empowers you to shop at licensed dispensaries with confidence, knowing you’re receiving products designed specifically for therapeutic use.
Thanks to telemedicine, obtaining your card is simple, quick, and convenient. With Ohio Marijuana Card, you can complete your evaluation and receive a recommendation on the same day—all from the comfort of home! Schedule your appointment today!
Doctors Who Care
Relief You Can Trust
At Ohio Marijuana Card, we’re here to make the process easy and stress-free. Our team is dedicated to helping you unlock the full benefits of Ohio’s medical marijuana program while improving your overall quality of life.
Don’t wait to start feeling better. Call us at (866) 457-5559 or schedule your evaluation today, and take advantage of the many benefits a medical card has to offer!
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