Press Release from the Office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost: (COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Law enforcement task forces organized under the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission (OOCIC) confiscated more than $92 million in illegal drugs in 2024, along with 560 firearms and $4.7 million in currency, Ohio Attorney General Yost announced today. “The number of illegal drugs and weapons taken off our streets this year is impressive thanks to our drug task forces, but the true measure of their success is the countless lives spared from overdoses and addiction,” Yost said. “I’m grateful to every sheriff and police chief, along with our federal partners, who fuel our efforts to thwart drug trafficking.” Under AG Yost’s leadership, OOCIC task forces have seized more than 288,000 prescription pills, 1,154 pounds of fentanyl, 1,994 pounds of cocaine and 2,334 firearms since 2019.

August 28, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Commerce: COLUMBUS, Ohio – The beginning of football season also means the beginning of tailgating season in parking lots across Ohio. Before gameday arrives, the Ohio Department of Commerce's Divisions of Liquor Control and Cannabis Control remind Ohioans to make safe, responsible and legal decisions regarding the use of alcohol and cannabis leading up to kickoff. Tailgaters should always adhere to Ohio’s underage and open container laws. Ohioans cannot legally consume alcohol in public places that are outside of a liquor permit holder’s premises or the boundaries of a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) during its active hours.

August 9, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Cannabis Control: COLUMBUS, Ohio – With the start of non-medical cannabis sales in Ohio on Aug. 6, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Cannabis Control urges all Ohioans over the age of 21 to be responsible and safe if they make the individual choice to use cannabis products. Given the introduction of non-medical cannabis into the marketplace and the unknown effect these products can have on Ohio adults, the Division encourages consumers to proceed with care and caution to ensure they do not put themselves, as well as others, at risk while consuming.

August 5, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Cannabis Control: COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Cannabis Control (DCC) will issue its first set of dual-use Certificates of Operation (COO) to 98 eligible dispensaries across the state tomorrow, Aug. 6. This comes more than a month in advance of the Sept. 7 deadline as outlined in the initiated statute passed by Ohio voters in November 2023.

Medical marijuana dispensaries  around the state are expected to get approval on Tuesday to begin selling both medical marijuana and to people over 21 for recreational use.

July 23, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Commerce: COLUMBUS, Ohio – With summer in full swing, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control (DOLC) encourages Ohioans to brush up on the guidelines regarding their local Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, or DORA, since rules can vary between DORAs throughout the state. Following their legalization in 2015, more than 150 DORAs are now scattered throughout the state, with many of Ohio's communities embracing the concept of offering residents and visitors a designated zone that is exempted from portions of Ohio's open container laws. While in these areas, patrons can enjoy alcoholic beverages purchased from participating liquor permit holders while enjoying the outdoors and supporting local businesses.

July 3, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Commerce: COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Commerce Divisions of Liquor Control (DOLC) and Cannabis Control (DCC), Department of Public Safety Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) and Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) remind Ohioans to practice social responsibility this Fourth of July when many will attend various celebratory events throughout the state.

June 10 Press Release from Ohio Department of Commerce and ODNR: (COLUMBUS, Ohio) - As Ohioans prepare for fun and adventure during the upcomi…