Ohio dispensaries may soon sell pre-rolled joints

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Division of Cannabis Control (DCC) released new protocols that may soon allow Ohio dispensaries to sell pre-rolled joints.

New protocols can also mean new changes prohibiting certain marketing tactics.

Local Dispensaries like Nar Reserve have been waiting for the green light to sell pre-rolled joints. Staff member Darius Walters notes his enthusiasm now that the light might be on the horizon.

"It's very exciting because it's the cheapest and easiest thing that we can offer a customer to be able to get whatever they need in the program at an affordable price," Walters said.

The DCC released new proposals for their rules package that could allow for pre-rolled joints. The proposal calls the joint “a raw single serving unit that is packed with dried plant material and wrapped in rolling paper.”

It also states that pre-rolls will not be allowed for medical patients. Another proposed change is tight restrictions on advertising like no billboards, internet ads, or TV ads which is a hurdle dispensaries have not been able to jump over. 

“People need to understand that the stigma behind marijuana is different now,” Walters said. “You can use it freely and be able to be a fully functioning citizen and pay your taxes, go to work, and there's no stigma behind that. It's for your health and wellness.”

“The Division’s proposed rules were informed in a couple of different ways. First, because pre-rolls and other combustible plant material are a new product category, the division researched other states that allow those items in order to determine best practices as it relates to package size, content limitations and testing." The DCC said in a statement to NBC4 regarding the decision to allow the sale of pre-rolls.

"In addition to that, the division also sought feedback from the public, our licensed cultivators and processors, and particularly the independent testing labs to determine what rules were necessary to ensure safe and consistent products in Ohio. Our proposed rules reflect both that research and collected feedback.” The DCC said.

In another statement on the restrictions on advertising the DCC said, “The Division has numerous rules in place regarding the advertising of cannabis – especially as it relates to the packaging and labeling of cannabis products sold by licensees in Ohio. These rules primarily aim to ensure cannabis products are not marketed to children since we know these products are harmful to youth. More specifically to your question, the Division felt it’s in the best interest of Ohioans to ensure that any advertisement or marketing campaign related to cannabis does not encourage or promote excessive use, intoxication, overconsumption, or use of cannabis in a manner not authorized by statute or rules, and is not attractive to children.”

Dispensaries still hope that the rules will continue to be updated over time based on the impact the sales can have on the community.

"After a full other year of adult use. They'll definitely see the benefits,” Walters said. “Rewards from the tax dollars the state will be able to invest back into schools, into roads and education, colleges, all kinds of nonprofit organizations."

The DCC has not given a date on when these new proposed rules might take effect.