Two central Ohio cities took opposite stances last week on whether to allow recreational marijuana businesses within their borders.

In November 2023, Ohio voters approved the legalization of recreational marijuana, and the law officially took effect on August 6, 2024. But almost immediately, dozens of municipalities across the state moved to halt new cannabis businesses, citing uncertainty over state regulations and public safety concerns.

As of August 6, 2025, 138 Ohio municipalities or townships have enacted moratoriums on adult-use cannabis businesses, impacting less than 15% of the state’s population.

Circleville was among the cities to pass such a ban. On August 6, 2024, its City Council approved a moratorium, citing the lack of state guidance on licensing and rules for adult-use c

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