Mother Earth’s Dispensary has officially opened its newest Columbus location at 1652 Neil Avenue, marking the first licensed cannabis dispensary located directly on Ohio State University’s campus. The store officially opened on December 18 following a ribbon-cutting ceremony with city leaders, friends, family, and invited guests.
Located between West 10th and 11th avenues on Neil Avenue, the dispensary sits in one of the highest-density pedestrian areas in the state, serving students, staff, medical professionals, and nearby neighborhoods including Italian Village, Victorian Village, the Short North, Upper Arlington, Grandview, the Brewery District, and beyond.
A Long-Standing Location Finds New Life
Before becoming Mother Earth’s newest dispensary, the building previously housed an Ohio Credit Union branch. According to Purchasing Manager Ryan Hord, timing played a critical role in securing the location after the credit union opted not to renew its lease.
The site is flanked by recognizable Columbus landmarks, including Hangover Easy restaurant and the Ohio State University Optometry Center. While the store does not have a drive-thru due to surrounding buildings, it offers ample access for walkers, bikers, and public transit users. The dispensary is located directly along COTA and OSU bus routes, with street parking available, designated curbside spaces, and a nearby parking garage used by the Optometry Center.
Designed for Patients and Adult-Use Consumers
Mother Earth’s Neil Avenue location was designed to balance high foot traffic with patient-centered care. The lobby offers seating for 12 guests, while the dispensary floor provides an open layout where customers can explore products, speak with trained staff, or shop independently using one of four self-service kiosks.
Hord noted that while busy periods are expected due to the location’s proximity to campus and the medical center, the team is fully staffed and uses restaurant-style buzzers when wait times exceed five minutes.
Medical cannabis patients are prioritized with a dedicated medical line, two medical-only registers, a consultation area, and a low-sensory pathway through the store. Patients are also supported by a staff member stationed on the floor to answer questions and guide them through product options. A kiosk in the lobby allows customers to browse before entering the dispensary floor.
Extensive Training and Patient-Focused Expertise
Mother Earth’s budtenders undergo extensive preparation, completing more than 200 hours of training. This includes a two-week immersive program featuring in-depth brand and product education led by nearly 20 cannabis brands and industry professionals.
The goal, Hord said, is to ensure both new and experienced consumers feel comfortable and informed, whether they are exploring cannabis for the first time or seeking specific therapeutic products.
Curated Product Selection for Medical and Adult Use
With more than a decade of experience alongside Ohio’s cannabis industry, Hord emphasized a commitment to quality, consistency, and patient needs when building the store’s menu.
The dispensary offers a broad range of products including flower, pre-rolls, vapes, edibles, and beverages, alongside a strong selection of medical-focused options such as RSO, FSO, tinctures, capsules, topicals, patches, and emerging formats like suppositories and high-dose tinctures.
Mother Earth’s Neil Avenue location carries sought-after Ohio brands including Woodward, Galenas, and Ancient Roots, as well as nationally recognized edible brands like Kiva, Gron, and Wyld. The store also partners with independent processors working to expand access to innovative medical products that Hord says are often underserved in evolving markets.
Discounts, Promotions, and Patient Education
Medical patients receive a daily 15 percent discount, while veterans and indigent patients receive 20 percent off daily. Adult-use customers are encouraged to check the store’s monthly promotional calendar for rotating brand discounts and specials.
While all discounts must receive state approval, Mother Earth plans to regularly host patient education days featuring in-store brand representatives who provide product education alongside promotional incentives.
Payment Options and Accessibility
The dispensary currently accepts cash, with two on-site ATMs available, as well as cashless debit through 2access. The team continues to explore additional payment solutions to improve accessibility and convenience.
A Community-Oriented Approach Near Campus
Hord said the Neil Avenue store was intentionally designed to feel less like a traditional West Coast-style dispensary and more like a welcoming neighborhood space. The store features artwork inspired by artist Carrie Disrud, an Ohio State University alumna and ovarian cancer survivor who credits cannabis as part of her healing journey.
Mother Earth’s leadership hopes the dispensary becomes a positive presence on campus and in the surrounding community, offering education, relief, and a sense of care for both patients and adult-use consumers.
Mother Earth’s Dispensary is now open at 1652 Neil Avenue in Columbus, serving Ohio State University and surrounding neighborhoods daily.
Patients and consumers may browse products and order online at https://shop.shopmotherearths.com/motherearths/
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