Ayr Cannabis Dispensary continues expanding its dispensary footprint across the Buckeye State, bringing its signature customer-first approach and a convenient drive-through shopping experience to a new location in Akron, Ohio.

Following a soft launch on Thursday, July 16, 2026, the dispensary team is currently operating at full speed while preparing for its official Grand Opening on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM.

Repurposing a Local Landmark for Convenience

Located right off I-76 at the intersection of Mogadore Road and Canton Road in Akron, the dispensary breathes fresh life into a familiar building that previously housed a Wendy’s restaurant. The team preserved the building’s built-in drive-through window—a major convenience upgrade designed to keep pre-order wait times to a minimum.

“Before we opened, this building was a Wendy’s, so it definitely had that Wendy’s feel and vibe,” explained Carla Davidson, Regional Director of Retail for the Ayr Wellness management team. “We’ve taken it over and made it signature Ayr blue.”

Beyond the drive-through, the property features ample parking spaces to ensure a stress-free arrival for walk-in shoppers.

Management team member Rob Vanisko explained: “Parking is always a source of consternation, but having around 40 parking spots in addition to the drive-through is a big difference maker,” added. “It’s really about creating the best possible patient and customer experience.”

Deep Budtender Training & Experienced Leadership

Inside, the dispensary opens up into a spacious, modern showroom filled with displays where visitors can explore products at their own pace. 

“We want the atmosphere to feel modern, approachable, and welcoming,” said Carla. 

To build a balanced, knowledgeable staff, Ayr established a mix of seasoned cannabis veterans and energetic new hires. Leadership includes store manager Marquise, who transitioned from Ayr Cannabis Dispensary Niles, and assistant manager Joey, who brings experience from the Streetsboro store. 

Before stepping onto the sales floor, every team member completes several weeks of intensive instruction with Ayr’s dedicated corporate training team.

“The thing Ayr takes the most pride in when opening a new store is training the budtenders,” noted Carla. “We spend a solid couple of weeks going over terpenes, strains, Ohio regulations, and every facet of the cannabis community. Our budtenders have a real passion for helping people learn and discover products.”

“Our goal isn’t just for you to remember the products you purchased, but how you felt when you left the dispensary.” 

Product Menu, Discounts, and Med Mondays

The menu at the Akron location offers a broad mix of proprietary brands alongside popular local Ohio cultivators and processors. Shoppers will find Ayr produced lines—including Kynd, Later Days, and HZ products—stocked alongside local favorites like Ohio Green Systems, UB Good, and Hundred Percent Labs. The dispensary also plans to host regular educational events featuring visits from local brand representatives and deep-dive sessions led by store staff.

To support the community, Ayr offers a 30 percent discount for Veterans, Indigent patients, and Cannabis Industry workers. Medical patients can take advantage of Med Mondays, which add an extra 10% discount to their purchases every week. 

For payment, the store accepts cash, debit cards, and CanPay.

Ayr Across Ohio

Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Ayr locations can be found in seven states. The new Akron store expands the Ayr Cannabis Dispensary Ohio retail footprint to eight dispensaries: Dayton, Goshen, Woodmere, Streetsboro, Niles, Parma Heights, and Lewis Center. To view the current menu, place a pre-order for drive-through pickup, or learn more about Ayr’s locations across Ohio, visit the company’s official website at ayrwellness.com.

Author

  • Medicate OH's Founder and Publisher is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio and holds an undergraduate degree in journalism and a master's degree in public administration, both from Northern Kentucky University. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing professionally for the medical and wellness industries, including positions with The Journal of Pediatrics, Livestrong, The Cincinnati Enquirer, and Patient Pop.

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