Seven Mile, home to 700 people, getting $430,000 from dispensary sales
Seven Mile, home to 700 people, getting $430,000 from dispensary sales
Seven Mile, home to 700 people, getting $430,000 from dispensary sales
Many Ohio communities that have welcomed recreational marijuana dispensaries are experiencing significant financial benefits linked to cannabis excise tax revenue, with nearly $36 million distributed across the state.
The distribution follows the legalization of recreational marijuana by Ohio voters a little more than two years ago, resulting in substantial dollar amounts flowing into local areas.
In Monroe, located north of Cincinnati on both sides of I-75, adults have been spending significant dollars at four dispensaries, including Columbia Care and Shangri-La. Monroe’s city manager, Larry Lester, said, “We were on the front end of this issue.” The ballot measure voters approved in 2023 included language that allocated a portion of the taxes from marijuana sales to Ohio cities, townships, and villages that allow dispensaries. Monroe has received more than $946,000 in tax revenue.
Lester attributed the financial success to the city’s location and the council’s vision and foresight. Other communities are also seeing substantial returns: Mount Orab has received $431,000, Oxford $362,000, Lebanon $302,000, Milford $661,000, and Union Township $753,000.
Perhaps most surprising is Seven Mile in rural Butler County, a small village of about 700 people, which has gained $430,000 from cannabis sales at Bloom Medicinals. Columbia Township, near Cincinnati, is also benefiting significantly. David Kubicki, president of the Columbia Township Board of Trustees, said, “We’re third in the state, little Columbia Township, behind Columbus and Cincinnati for collecting marijuana tax dollars.” The township has received $1.5 million from dispensaries on Kennedy Avenue and Ridge Avenue.
Kubicki noted the township’s success after pushing to secure the funds during rounds of debate with some state lawmakers who wanted centralized control of all tax revenue tied to sales of recreational cannabis.
“After a year-long battle, we finally won,” Kubicki said. “And we got our we finally got our check.” The marijuana tax revenue comes with no restrictions, allowing communities to use the funds freely. Lester emphasized, “Unlimited uses.”
Kubicki outlined plans for the funds, stating, “We intend to use those monies just to continue to rely less on levies and also to improve the quality of life, have events and improve protection, police protection, everything. So it meant the world to us.”
The largest share of the cannabis excise tax revenue, $4.7 million, went to Columbus, followed by Cincinnati with $2.5 million. At least one local council member in Cincinnati wants to reinvest the city’s share into neighborhoods that were targeted when marijuana was illegal.
Legislation passed last fall in Columbus confirmed the continuation of the tax-sharing model. As such, more cities may consider allowing dispensaries to benefit from the tax revenue they generate.
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