Ohio cannabis consumers have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of pre-rolls on dispensary shelves. Often seen in neighboring markets like Michigan and Illinois, pre-rolls offer patients and adult-use customers a convenient way to purchase cannabis flower in a ready-to-use form. But when exactly will they be available here, and what rules will apply to patients versus recreational consumers?
MedicateOH reached out to the Division of Cannabis Control (DCC) for clarification. James Crawford, spokesperson for the Division, shared updates on the rollout.
When Will Pre-Rolls Be Available?
“The Division released guidance on single serving units (pre-rolls) on August 1 that outlines the processes and requirements that are necessary to complete before the sales can begin,” Crawford said. “While we anticipate sales of these units will begin shortly, I am not able to give you a specific date. The timeline will depend on when licensees complete all necessary requirements and receive approval from the Division.”
In other words, sales could begin soon—but the exact timing will vary depending on how quickly dispensaries and processors get the green light.
Cultivators Ready
Among the cultivators ready to begin processing pre-rolls for the Ohio market was Pure Ohio Wellness, where MedicateOH toured last month. In preparation for the launch, they purchased a machine that spits out hundreds of pre-rolls units an hour. Another cultivator, Firelands Scientific, announced publicly on their social media this week that a limited supply of pre-roll units are available now at their Huron store.
Will Medical Patients Have Access?
Because Ohio’s medical marijuana program historically limited patients to non-combustible forms, some questioned whether pre-rolls would only be available to recreational customers. Crawford clarified that medical patients will be able to purchase some forms of pre-rolls.
“The initiated statute approved by Ohio voters in November 2023 established the forms of cannabis that may be sold in Ohio dispensaries, which included single serving units (pre-rolls),” he explained. “Raw plant material packaged in a single serving unit counts toward the plant material days’ supply limitations for medical patients and caregivers outlined in O.A.C. 3796:8-2-04, so medical patients will be able to purchase those units. Infused single serving units are available for non-medical sales only.”
This means:
- Medical patients can buy standard pre-rolls made with raw cannabis flower, subject to existing supply limits.
- Adult-use customers will have access to both standard pre-rolls and infused versions (such as those made with concentrates, kief, or hash oil).
What This Means for Ohio’s Market
Pre-rolls represent one of the fastest-growing product categories in other states. For many patients and consumers, they offer a simple and accessible option without the need for grinders, rolling papers, or prior experience rolling cannabis.
For medical patients, pre-rolls may provide a consistent, measured way to manage their supply and track days’ limits. For adult-use customers, infused pre-rolls open up new potency options not currently available to patients.
As with all new products, Ohioans can expect a gradual rollout as dispensaries receive approval, train staff, and begin stocking shelves. MedicateOH will continue to provide updates as these products become available statewide.
###
