Two years after legalization, most Ohio residents say it’s time to expand Ohio cannabis dispensaries. According to a new survey from the Ohio Northern University Institute for Civics and Public Policy (ICAPP), nearly half of state residents support allowing more dispensaries to open, even as 130 local governments maintain bans. Respondents linked dispensaries to economic growth, job creation, and community improvement, signaling strong statewide enthusiasm despite ongoing local restrictions.
Key Takeaways
- 47% of Ohio adults support new cannabis dispensaries, compared to 28% opposed.
- Hispanic (+42) and African-American (+39) residents are the most supportive groups.
- Support is strongest among younger adults and urban residents.
- Economic impact drives most of the positive sentiment.
- Over 1.7 million Ohioans still live in areas that prohibit dispensaries.
Economic Optimism Around Dispensaries
The ICAPP survey found that Ohio cannabis dispensaries enjoy overwhelming economic support. Respondents gave a +42 net positive rating on dispensaries’ economic impact, with younger residents and urban communities showing the most enthusiasm.
Dr. Keith Durkin, ICAPP’s director, said the findings show “Ohioans across nearly all demographics recognize the financial benefits dispensaries bring.” This aligns with projections from the Ohio Department of Cannabis Control, which expects nearly $1 billion in cannabis sales in 2025, including $800 million from adult-use transactions.
The state’s 10% cannabis excise tax could generate about $80 million in revenue this year, with roughly $30 million reinvested in local communities where dispensaries operate. That reinvestment model continues to shape public attitudes toward legalization as residents see tangible benefits.
Public Safety Remains a Divisive Issue
While most Ohioans favor expanding Ohio cannabis dispensaries, safety perceptions remain mixed. Respondents gave a -7 net rating on dispensaries’ impact on public safety, with older adults and high-income households expressing the most concern.
Older voters, particularly those 65 and above, rated dispensaries the lowest on safety impact, while younger adults aged 18 to 34 viewed them more positively. Urban residents were also more supportive than suburban and rural populations.
Political alignment played a role as well. Democrats and those identifying as liberal were much more likely to associate dispensaries with safety and regulation than conservatives, who voiced more concern about neighborhood effects.
Environmental and Quality-of-Life Perceptions
Ohioans also gave positive ratings for dispensaries’ environmental and community impacts. The ICAPP study found a +13 net positivity for environmental effects and a +12 for quality of life.
Residents aged 18 to 49 viewed dispensaries as beneficial additions to their neighborhoods, while those over 65 were less convinced. Hispanic and African-American respondents again reported the strongest support, especially regarding quality-of-life improvements.
According to Dr. Brian King, an ICAPP political science professor and project co-lead, “Support for dispensaries drops when the conversation turns to safety, but the overall attitude across Ohio remains optimistic, especially when tied to local economic opportunities.”
Local Moratoriums and Uneven Access
Despite broad approval, access to Ohio cannabis dispensaries remains limited. Research from the Ohio State University Drug Enforcement and Policy Center shows that 130 cities and towns still enforce local moratoriums, restricting dispensary openings in their jurisdictions.
This means roughly 14% of Ohio’s population, 1.7 million people, live in areas without access to licensed, regulated cannabis products. Those bans have slowed industry growth in several regions, especially smaller towns and conservative districts that remain hesitant to embrace legalization.
Conclusion
The ICAPP survey paints a clear picture: Ohio cannabis dispensaries have won public favor, even as local bans persist. Younger, urban, and diverse populations view dispensaries as engines of economic opportunity, environmental responsibility, and community well-being.
As the industry nears $1 billion in annual sales, public opinion may ultimately pressure hesitant municipalities to revisit their moratoriums. For now, Ohio’s mixed approach highlights a familiar national pattern, one where local politics lag behind public sentiment on cannabis reform.
This article is based on publicly available legislative records, court filings, industry reports, and published research as of the publication date. Cannabis laws and regulations change frequently — verify current rules with your state’s regulatory agency.
