Ohio Marijuana Sales Grow an Average of 25.5% in First Three Months Following Intoxicating Hemp Ban

Ohio’s licensed marijuana market has posted strong year-over-year growth in each of the first three full months since the state’s ban on intoxicating hemp products took effect on March 20.

According to data from the research firm Headset, marijuana sales increased 32% in April compared with April 2025. This was followed by year-over-year increases of 22.5% in May and 22% in June.

Ohio dispensaries generated approximately $107 million in sales during June alone, with consumers purchasing around 3.5 million products during the month. This followed $110 million in sales in May, and $112.5 million in April.

The sustained growth follows the implementation of Senate Bill 56, signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine (R). The law redefined hemp under state law and generally prohibited intoxicating hemp products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container, along with cannabinoids produced or synthesized outside of the plant.

Although the figures do not establish that the hemp ban caused the increase, the timing suggests that some consumers who previously purchased intoxicating hemp products from smoke shops, gas stations and other retailers may have shifted to licensed marijuana dispensaries.

Ohio’s relatively young recreational marijuana market is also continuing to expand. Voters approved legalization in November 2023, and licensed recreational sales began on August 6, 2024.

Adults 21 and older may possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and 15 grams of concentrates. The law also allows individuals to grow six plants, with a maximum of 12 plants per household, and imposes a 10% excise tax on recreational marijuana purchases.