There’s a big uproar in Lewis Center about a marijuana dispensary coming to town.
There’s already one cannabis dispensary in Lewis Center, and likely to be another one soon. Some people are really freaked out about this.
I’ve seen outcries from concerned parents and others saying the ever-popular “not in my backyard” (aka NIMBY). But here’s the thing: dispensaries are not the enemy.
For one thing, dispensaries in Ohio are still only able to sell marijuana to those 21+ with a medical card who are prescribed it by a doctor. No one under 18 is even allowed inside a dispensary.
Recreational marijuana sales will not start in Ohio until fall 2025 at the earliest. And even when recreational sales do open, they will be strictly for those 21 and up. Dispensaries are highly regulated, serious businesses that go by the book; they are not about to take risks or invite run-ins with the law. They ID everyone!
And, according to the police officers who spoke at a recent drug education seminar for parents that I attended, they have never had any issues with dispensaries, nor have they been called to a dispensary for problems.
The cops said, and I agree, that the REAL problem for parents are convenience stores, gas stations and vape shops which are far more likely not to check IDs.
There are vape shops everywhere in Lewis Center now, and it makes me so mad. There’s one in the Kroger shopping center on 23 where our beloved Crepe Town used to be (RIP Crepe Town! So sad).
There’s also a vape shop in the Drug-Mart shopping center on South Old State and Polaris, and I’ve heard from multiple sources that they are known for not checking IDs and for selling vapes – both nicotine and THC – to pretty much anyone and everyone. Including middle- and high-schoolers.
In addition, if you have a teenager you can talk openly with about things like vaping and THC, ask them where the kids get their vapes. My sources tell me that the vast majority of kids get their THC and nic vapes from home by sneaking them from their parents’ stash and then selling or giving them to friends at school.
So, next time you feel yourself getting freaked out or worried about a cannabis dispensary coming to our community, remember they’re not the true enemy. The true enemy are the THC vape pens and gummies easily available at their friends’ homes or at gas stations, convenience stores and vape shops.
It’s super easy for kids to get those. It will not be easy for kids to get into dispensaries! Hope this is helpful.
