In year one, Ohio cannabis sales reached $702.5M—surpassing forecasts and setting the tone for billion-dollar market growth ahead.
In its first full year of legalized adult-use cannabis sales, Ohio outpaced industry forecasts and signaled a maturing market poised for long-term growth. Between August 6, 2024, and August 2, 2025, the state recorded over $702.5 million in non-medical marijuana sales—a milestone few anticipated when voters approved Issue 2 in November 2023. These numbers don’t just reflect robust demand; they position Ohio as an emergent player in the national cannabis economy.
A High-Performing Debut
Initial projections by MJBiz Factbook estimated Ohio’s 2025 adult-use revenue would reach $650 million. Instead, the state exceeded expectations by more than $50 million. In total, consumers purchased approximately 109,706 pounds of cannabis during the reporting period. Prices hovered around $6.63 per gram in late July and early August 2025—indicative of a healthy supply chain and competitive pricing environment.
These figures place Ohio among the most successful first-year adult-use cannabis markets, rivaling more established programs in states like Michigan and Illinois. The combination of pent-up demand, established infrastructure from the medical program, and a rapid rollout of dual-use licenses contributed to this strong start.
Forecast: Continued Growth
The state’s momentum is unlikely to slow. MJBiz projects that total cannabis sales, combining medical and adult-use, could surpass $1 billion in 2025. Adult-use sales alone may reach $1.1 billion by the end of 2026, and potentially double to $2.2 billion by 2028.
Such projections underscore Ohio’s economic potential and the growing normalization of cannabis consumption across demographic lines. As the stigma continues to erode, consumer adoption trends suggest sustained growth in both volume and diversity of products sold.
For Arizona stakeholders, particularly those at legacy dispensaries like GreenPharms, Ohio’s trajectory offers both a cautionary tale and a model. Rapid scaling can unlock revenue, but it also demands agile regulation, social equity inclusion, and supply chain integrity.
The Regulatory Bottleneck
Ohio currently licenses 159 dispensaries authorized to sell both adult-use and medical cannabis. While there is no hard cap on licenses, expansion efforts—especially those designed to foster equity—have hit a political snag in Columbus.
Lawmakers have delayed implementation of the state’s social equity program, leaving many would-be operators in limbo. This logjam raises familiar concerns for Arizona regulators and business owners who watched similar debates unfold during the early rollout of adult-use sales in the Southwest.
GreenPharms, having navigated Arizona’s transition from medical to recreational markets, exemplifies how policy gaps can hinder or help market dynamics. By preparing for the unexpected and investing in compliance, Arizona operators can learn from Ohio’s sluggish regulatory adaptation.
A Foundation Built on Medical Roots
Ohio’s medical cannabis program, legalized in 2019, laid the groundwork for its swift adult-use rollout. Existing infrastructure allowed dual-use dispensaries to activate adult-use operations with relative ease once the law went into effect.
This mirrors Arizona’s experience, where early medical dispensaries provided a backbone for expansion. GreenPharms, a pioneer in this regard, benefited from its early investment in cultivation and compliance, enabling it to meet recreational demand without compromising quality or patient care.
The lesson for any state: a robust medical foundation accelerates adult-use success. As more markets open, this hybrid model could become the norm rather than the exception.
The National Picture and Arizona Implications
Ohio’s breakthrough year arrives as federal cannabis reform inches forward and neighboring states observe closely. For Arizona, the data offers insight into pricing trends, product preferences, and consumer behavior that could inform local strategy.
Arizona’s mature market faces different challenges—notably saturation and regulatory tightening—but the comparative view sharpens strategic decision-making. If Ohio can hit $702 million in its first year, what innovations or efficiencies can Arizona implement to protect its competitive edge?
GreenPharms’ commitment to education, transparency, and community engagement positions it well to adapt. By staying alert to national trends and leveraging its local credibility, the brand can navigate changes with resilience and foresight.
Ohio’s first-year performance is not just a data point. It’s a benchmark for what thoughtful legalization, even amid bureaucratic delays, can achieve. And it’s a reminder that every market, regardless of maturity, benefits from vigilance, integrity, and informed adaptation.
***
GreenPharms is more than just a dispensary. We are a family-owned and operated company that cultivates, processes, and sells high-quality cannabis products in Arizona. Whether you are looking for medical or recreational marijuana, we have something for everyone. From flower, edibles, concentrates, and topicals, to accessories, apparel, and education, we offer a wide range of marijuana strains, products and services to suit your needs and preferences. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are always ready to assist you and answer any questions you may have. Visit our dispensaries in Mesa and Flagstaff, or shop online and get your order delivered to your door. At GreenPharms, we are cultivating a different kind of care.
Follow us on social media
