First medical marijuana sold in Ohio as dispensaries open

CLEVELAND (AP) — The first Ohio sales of medical marijuana are being made with the opening of four dispensaries in the state.

Joan Caleodis, 56, was the first customer to buy cannabis this morning at the CY+ Dispensary in Wintersville near Steubenville in eastern Ohio. Caleodis, of Martin’s Ferry, received a doctor’s recommendation for medical cannabis to treat primary progressive multiple sclerosis and bought $200 worth of flower she plans to use in a vape pen.

Caleodis said in a phone interview the opening of dispensaries is a “big win” for Ohio patients.

Only plant materials are being sold for now. Products like edibles, tinctures and lotions won’t become available until cannabis processing facilities are operational.

People can buy medical marijuana with a physician’s recommendation for one of 21 qualifying medical conditions.