Ohio’s New Rules for Pre-Rolls: What Consumers Need to Know 

On August 1, 2025, the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control (DCC) released comprehensive guidance outlining the legal requirements for single-serving cannabis pre-rolls sold in licensed dispensaries. For consumers in Ohio, both medical marijuana patients and adult-use customers, this update introduces clear boundaries on what products are allowed, how they’re made, and how much you can purchase at a time. At Thrive Dispensaries, we’re committed to transparency, compliance, and education.  What Are Single-Serving Units? Under the new rules, Single-Serving Units (SSUs) refer to pre-rolled cannabis products intended for inhalation. These are categorized as either raw or infused:

• Raw SSUs contain only dried cannabis plant material (such as flower, trim, or shake), wrapped in rolling paper. They may include a crutch or filter.
• Infused SSUs include additional cannabis extracts mixed with or applied to the plant material. Infusion methods may include concentrate coatings, infused rolling papers, or mixing extract directly into the flower.

The regulation makes it clear that only licensed cannabis processors in Ohio may manufacture these products. This ensures consistency, product safety, and regulatory oversight.

Raw vs Infused Pre-Rolls: What’s Allowed

The DCC has created strict distinctions between raw and infused pre-rolls. Here is what is now officially permitted:

Raw Pre-Rolls

• Must contain only cannabis plant material.
• Can weigh no more than 1 gram per unit.
• Can be sold in packages containing up to 5 single-serving units (5 grams total per production unit).

These products are legal for purchase by both medical marijuana patients and adult-use consumers, subject to the applicable possession and daily purchase limits.

Infused Pre-Rolls

• Must include cannabis plant material plus a cannabis extract.
• Each infused unit must weigh no more than 1 gram total (plant + extract combined).
• Each infused unit must not exceed 500 milligrams of total THC.
• Each production unit (i.e., a package with multiple infused pre-rolls) may not exceed 1,500 milligrams of total THC.

Infused pre-rolls are not available to medical marijuana patients at this time. They are exclusive to the adult-use market.

THC Limits and Potency Regulations

Cannabis potency, especially in pre-rolled products, is closely monitored by the state. The new rules impose precise THC limits for infused pre-rolls:

• 500 mg THC per individual infused SSU
• 1,500 mg THC per package (production unit)

This means that if you’re buying a pack of infused pre-rolls, the total THC content across all units cannot exceed 1,500 mg. For example, if you purchase three infused pre-rolls in one package, each may contain no more than 500 mg of THC. Raw pre-rolls, on the other hand, are regulated by weight rather than potency. However, potency will still be listed on the packaging for consumer awareness.

Packaging and Labeling Requirements

To ensure product safety and clarity, the DCC has implemented updated rules for how cannabis pre-rolls must be labeled and packaged.

Mandatory Label Elements

Each SSU must have a compliant label including:

• Product type (raw or infused)
• Net weight (in grams)
• THC and CBD content (total and per serving)
• Ingredient list, including sub-ingredients and additives (e.g., rolling paper material, filter)
• Strain name(s). If more than one strain is used, the label must say “Multi-Strain” and use the oldest harvest date of all strains included.
• Standardized warning language, including: “WARNING: Keep out of reach of children. This product may cause impairment and may be habit-forming. This product may be unlawful outside the State of Ohio. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or plan to be, should consult with their physician prior to use.”

Labels must meet specific layout and formatting requirements, such as minimum font sizes and clear separation of product data.

Packaging Requirements

All cannabis pre-rolls sold in Ohio must meet the following packaging standards:

• Child-resistant: Packaging must comply with federal safety standards (CFR 1700.15 and 1700.20).
• Tamper-evident: The packaging must show visible signs if it has been opened or altered.
• DCC-compliant symbols: Packaging must include both the Ohio THC symbol and the DCC seal.

To streamline compliance, the DCC has published a list of pre-approved packaging types (e.g., tubes, bags, tins). Dispensaries and processors using these packaging types as-is can avoid lengthy approval processes by submitting a compliance attestation instead of full documentation.

Who Can Purchase Pre-Rolls?

This guidance directly impacts who is allowed to purchase different types of cannabis pre-rolls in Ohio:

• Medical Marijuana Patients May purchase raw single-serving units within their state-authorized purchase limits. Infused pre-rolls are not available to medical patients.
• Adult-Use Consumers (21+) May purchase both raw and infused SSUs, within the daily purchase and possession limits defined by Ohio law.

Purchase Limits and Serving Equivalencies

Ohio law imposes daily limits for cannabis purchases, which now apply to pre-rolls as follows:

For Raw Pre-Rolls

• Count toward the flower weight limit, which is 2.5 ounces per day for adult-use customers.

For Infused Pre-Rolls

• Count toward the THC product limit, which is 15,000 mg of total THC per day for adult-use customers.

Medical patients have a 90-day supply limit that must be tracked and observed, including any raw pre-roll purchases.

What This Means for You at Thrive Dispensaries

At Thrive, we prioritize clarity, compliance, and consumer safety. As the new DCC guidelines take effect:

• Our raw pre-roll selection will continue to be available to both medical and recreational customers, clearly labeled and compliant with all packaging rules.
• Our infused pre-roll offerings will be exclusively available for adult-use customers, each clearly marked with THC content and compliant packaging.
• Staff will be trained to explain the differences and help guide you through choosing the right product for your needs.
• All packaging will include full labeling transparency, including strain breakdown, ingredient lists, and verified potency.

We are also actively working with Ohio-licensed processors to ensure that our pre-roll inventory meets or exceeds every state requirement.

Ready to Explore Ohio’s New Pre-Rolls? Here’s What to Do Next

The release of Ohio’s official guidance on cannabis pre-rolls represents a major step forward in standardizing and safely expanding the state’s cannabis offerings. Consumers now have more transparency, more choice, and stronger safeguards when selecting pre-roll products. Whether you’re a long-time medical patient or new to Ohio’s adult-use cannabis market, Thrive Dispensaries is here to help you navigate these new options. Stop by your nearest Thrive location or browse our menu online to explore compliant, high-quality pre-rolls backed by lab testing and verified sourcing. Need more information about pre-rolls, THC content, or product limits? Visit us in-store or reach out to our knowledgeable team today. We’re happy to help guide you through the evolving cannabis landscape in Ohio.