Ohio Officially Raises Cannabis Flower Purchase Limit to 2.5 Ounces for Adult-Use Consumers

State Expands Access to Cannabis Flower as Market Stabilizes Following 2024 Legalization Rollout

Adult-use cannabis shoppers in Ohio can now legally purchase up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis flower per transaction at licensed dispensaries, following a rule update implemented by the Division of Cannabis Control (DCC) last week. This marks a significant increase from the previous cap of one ounce and reflects a broader confidence in the state’s supply chain and retail infrastructure to meet rising consumer demand without disrupting the market.

The updated purchasing limit became effective immediately upon announcement and was accompanied by official guidance from state regulators. The move signals the state’s ongoing efforts to adapt its cannabis policies to reflect the realities of a growing and stabilizing adult-use industry.

Initial Purchase Limits Were Designed to Prevent Supply Disruptions During Launch of Adult-Use Market

When Ohio first opened its adult-use cannabis market in August 2024, officials implemented strict purchasing limits, including the one-ounce cap on flower. These limits were imposed to prevent early supply shortages that could negatively impact both adult-use consumers and medical marijuana patients.

By limiting the amount of cannabis each customer could purchase, the state hoped to give licensed growers and processors sufficient time to scale up production and establish consistent distribution networks. The Division of Cannabis Control noted that this cautious approach helped ensure smooth operations during the first phase of adult-use sales.

Flower Limit Change Reflects Confidence in State’s Supply Chain and Retail System

The expansion to a 2.5-ounce limit for cannabis flower indicates that regulators now believe Ohio’s cannabis industry is mature enough to support higher consumer demand. The Division of Cannabis Control stated that the change was justified based on the market’s ability to adequately serve both medical and recreational users during its initial months of operation.

By easing purchasing restrictions, Ohio aims to align its retail regulations more closely with consumer expectations, reduce the need for frequent store visits, and support higher-volume purchases by responsible adult consumers.

THC Content Caps for Non-Flower Cannabis Products Remain in Effect Under Current Rules

While Ohio has raised the purchasing limit for cannabis flower, the state has not made any adjustments to the purchasing limits for other cannabis products such as concentrates, edibles, beverages, or vape cartridges. Under Ohio’s adult-use cannabis law, purchases of non-flower products remain subject to a cumulative THC cap of 15,000 milligrams per transaction.

Dispensaries are required to calculate the total amount of THC in a consumer’s cart to ensure the total does not exceed this cap. This rule is intended to prevent overconsumption and keep higher-potency products within safe access guidelines.

Dispensaries in Ohio Have Already Logged Hundreds of Millions in Adult-Use Sales Revenue

Ohio’s adult-use cannabis industry has experienced rapid growth since sales began. Within the first seven months of operation, licensed cannabis retailers generated nearly $400 million in adult-use sales revenue, according to data from the state’s cannabis regulators.

This impressive revenue figure underscores the strong consumer demand and demonstrates the economic potential of the legal cannabis market in the state. Industry stakeholders have also cited job creation, real estate development, and local economic stimulation as key benefits of the new industry.

Disputes Over Cannabis Tax Revenue Allocation Spark Controversy Among Local Governments and Lawmakers

Despite the booming cannabis market, some Ohio lawmakers have been criticized for allegedly withholding over $10 million in cannabis tax revenues that were meant to support local governments. These funds, designated in the voter-approved cannabis legalization measure, were supposed to flow to municipalities and counties that allowed cannabis businesses to operate in their jurisdictions.

Local leaders have voiced concern that the delay in allocating these funds undermines the state’s promises to reinvest cannabis-related revenue into the communities most directly impacted by the legalization rollout. Critics argue that the state must uphold its commitment to equitable revenue sharing in order to maintain public trust and cooperation.

Ongoing Political Tensions Emerge as Lawmakers Propose Rollbacks to Voter-Approved Cannabis Reforms

While regulators work to adapt to the demands of a legal market, some Ohio lawmakers are moving in the opposite direction. Several Republican legislators have introduced proposals aimed at limiting various aspects of the state’s cannabis law — despite its approval by voters in a 2023 ballot initiative.

One proposal seeks to impose strict caps on THC potency in cannabis concentrates, which could have far-reaching effects on product availability and consumer choice. Another bill aims to reduce the number of cannabis plants that adults are allowed to grow at home, a right that was explicitly included in the voter-backed legalization plan.

These proposed rollbacks have raised concerns about legislative overreach and whether state lawmakers are respecting the will of Ohio voters. Advocates for cannabis reform argue that the market should be allowed to develop without unnecessary interference that could limit access, reduce business opportunities, and discourage investment.

Regulatory Adjustments Signal a Gradual Shift Toward Normalization of Legal Cannabis

The increase in the cannabis flower purchase limit is viewed by many industry observers as part of a broader shift toward the normalization of cannabis in Ohio. By allowing adults to purchase larger quantities per visit, the state is acknowledging that cannabis is becoming a mainstream consumer product.

This transition from cautious rollout to full-scale operation reflects both regulatory confidence and an understanding of market dynamics. It also brings Ohio’s cannabis policies more in line with other legal states where higher purchasing limits are the norm.

The Path Forward: Balancing Access, Safety, and Legislative Integrity in Ohio’s Cannabis Industry

As Ohio’s cannabis market continues to evolve, the state faces a number of challenges and opportunities. Regulators will need to strike a balance between expanding access, protecting public health, and respecting the voter-approved legalization framework.

The future of cannabis in Ohio will likely be shaped by a combination of regulatory oversight, industry innovation, consumer demand, and political negotiation. Whether the state embraces a more open and progressive approach or yields to efforts to restrict and control the market will depend on the outcome of legislative battles and public advocacy in the months ahead.

Flower Limit Increase Marks Progress, But Broader Policy Questions Remain Unresolved

The decision to raise the cannabis flower purchasing limit to 2.5 ounces is a clear sign of progress for Ohio’s adult-use cannabis consumers. It demonstrates that the industry is capable of supporting greater access and that state regulators are responsive to market conditions.

However, with unresolved disputes over tax revenues and active legislative efforts to restrict key parts of the legalization law, the broader landscape remains complex. Ohio’s cannabis industry has passed a major milestone, but its long-term success will hinge on protecting the integrity of voter decisions while evolving policies to meet the needs of all stakeholders — from consumers and patients to business owners and communities.