Ohio & Mahoning Valley - Ohioans can now buy recreational marijuana, after it was legalized last year through State Issue two.

The rollout for recreational marijuana continues this week, as dispensaries opened their doors for adult-use on Tuesday. 21 News spoke with area cultivators and dispensaries on the process and what happens next.

"Medical patients were appreciative that they're still getting taken care of amidst all of the influx of customers," said Terrell Washington, Owner of Leaf Relief. 

Washington doesn't expect to see single-use dispensaries open up shop until 2025.

"It's going to be interesting," Washington added. "They have not finished the licensing process of awarding the second round of locations so that's going to change the landscape as well. There are a lot of areas that are neglected: your Cleveland, your Columbus, your Cincinnati markets are always super saturated."

Dispensaries are still operating under certain regulations until September 7th, including limits on the type of products sold.

"You're still not allowed to combust product in Ohio," explained Daniel Kessler, Co-Owner of Riviera Creek. "The idea of a pre-role or a joint that's already rolled that's sold in the stores, that doesn't exist right now. With the advent of full adult use, then you'll see those type of products."

Kessler does not believe we will ever see regulated cannabis sold at any location aside from a licensed store.

"Regulated cannabis, which is what the state voted on in November and is now legal, will only be sold in regulated licensed stores," he said. "The State can track from seed to sale. Products we cultivate and sell, are fully regulated. The store's ID. When it comes to items sold at convenience stores and gas stations, that won't ever be a part of this program because it is a real problem. Those items are unregulated and are intoxicating weed product that has so regulation whatsoever."

Some issues arising continue to be dispensary moratoriums, implemented in communities including Youngstown and Poland. Washington believes municipalities have the right to choose whether a dispensary is right for them, based on the financial pros and cons. But more dispensaries popping up adds competition to existing businesses.

"Now you're talking about doubling the market as well, again all in under two years, that has a significant impact," explained Washington. "Especially if you no longer know what this does for the industry. We've seen over-saturation in markets like California and Oklahoma, just because of how many dispensaries there were."

Visit the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control to learn more.