By DAVID DUPONT
BG Independent News
Two medical cannabis dispensaries in Bowling Green are among those that have been given approval by the state to sell recreational cannabis starting tomorrow (Aug. 6). Both Nectar, 1011 S. Main St., and Zen Leaf, 1155 N. Main St., will begin selling recreational products tomorrow.
The state’s Division of Cannabis Control issued its first set of dual-use Certificates of Operation to 98 eligible dispensaries across the state.
Zach Gergich, who manages Nectar as designated dispensary representative, said the store has been preparing for opening up its sales since it applied for the permit in early June.
The dispensary has doubled its staff to 10, he said, and has stocked up on recreational products. Some items may not be available because the regulations will not be finalized for another month, and there will be limits on how much can be purchased.
He hopes those limits will be lifted as the kinks in the rules are worked out.
Northwest Ohio has not been the busiest market for medical cannabis, Gergich said, because of its proximity to the Michigan border where medicinal cannabis has been legal since 2008 and recreational cannabis has been legal since 2019.
Ohio voters approved the sale of recreational marijuana in November, but until ow there has been no place to purchase it. The Ohio Legislature’s efforts to tweak the law stalemated.
Gergich expects “the floodgates are going to open tomorrow.”
Edibles, flowers, and concentrates have been the most popular products for medicinal use, should continue to be the best sellers. Gergich said one of his favorite parts of his job, though, has been the variety products developed — sodas, tinctures, massage oils, olive oil, and lip balm among them. He hopes those continue to sell as the market evolves.
Nectar’s parent company is in the State of Oregon. They have already made the transition from medicinal only to recreational, so they have experience making the change.
(Zen Leaf’s company spokesperson has not responded as of this posting to an email for further information on that company’s approach to the transition. The story will be updated if necessary.)
