New Ohio Dispensary Opening in Bridgeport: Belmont County’s First

Exciting changes are coming to Belmont County! Bridgeport, Ohio, is welcoming its very first marijuana dispensary, offering both recreational and medical products. This is a big milestone not only for Bridgeport but for the entire county, bringing new opportunities for residents and local businesses alike.

Belmont County’s First Marijuana Dispensary

Located at 435 Main Street, the new dispensary is opening inside a renovated former bank building. The site was carefully selected and approved by Bridgeport officials after thorough consideration.

Operated by Cresco Labs, a well-known marijuana company already running successful locations like Sunnyside in Wintersville, this new store will offer a clean, secure, and highly professional environment. Law Director Michael Shaheen described the dispensary setup as similar to an "Apple store", highly organized, modern, and heavily secured.

Unlike outdated stereotypes, today’s marijuana dispensaries are sleek retail spaces where consumers browse menus, ask informed staff questions, and make purchases in a safe, controlled setting. No open products on shelves, no loose handling, everything is tightly regulated.

As part of the deal, Bridgeport stands to financially benefit, too. The dispensary will contribute to both state and local tax revenues. Shaheen explained that if the location earns $1 million in sales, Bridgeport would receive about $36,000 in local revenue,  and officials are optimistic it could generate even more.

Cresco Labs is committed to hiring locally, offering employees above-minimum wage pay, full benefits, and retirement plans. They’re building real career opportunities for Ohio Valley residents without requiring them to leave home.

The dispensary is currently finalizing paperwork and retrofitting the historic bank building, with an opening date expected later this year.

Why You Should Still Get an Ohio Medical Marijuana Card

Even with recreational marijuana now available, having an Ohio medical marijuana card remains extremely valuable. Here’s why:

1. Lower Taxes for Medical Patients

While recreational marijuana purchases are now taxed an additional 10% marijuana excise tax, medical marijuana patients do not pay this extra tax.

Medical marijuana patients still pay standard city and sales taxes, but they save significantly by avoiding the 10% recreational surcharge. Over time, especially for regular users, that’s a major financial advantage.

2. Higher Purchase Limits

Medical marijuana cardholders in Ohio enjoy higher purchase limits compared to recreational users. If you need larger quantities for legitimate health reasons, having a medical card ensures you can purchase enough product without hitting lower recreational limits.

This makes a critical difference for patients managing chronic pain, PTSD, or other conditions that require consistent dosing.

3. Exclusive Discounts at Many Dispensaries

Many Ohio dispensaries offer patient-exclusive deals, price breaks, or loyalty rewards that recreational customers can't access.

If you visit our dispensary page, you’ll see a full list of dispensaries offering medical discounts. Over a year, these savings can add up to hundreds, even thousands, of dollars.

4. Access to Medical-Only Products

Certain products, such as higher-potency flower, tinctures, or therapeutic concentrates, are often reserved for medical patients. Recreational markets typically limit potency to stay within legal guidelines, meaning patients may miss out on more effective treatment options without a card.

5. Legal Protections

Holding a medical marijuana card provides added legal protections if you're ever questioned about possession amounts or usage. Your card proves your authorized patient status and lawful right to possess higher medical limits.

While Ohio broadly legalized possession, specific rules still apply, and having a medical marijuana card gives you clear legal standing if needed.

Supporting Local Growth Through Smart Choices

Not only does the Bridgeport dispensary create new jobs and tax revenue, but it also highlights how responsible marijuana use and regulation can strengthen local communities.

Cresco Labs' commitment to security, compliance, and community hiring reassures both residents and leaders that the new dispensary is a positive addition to Belmont County.

With the facility operating like a high-end retail space and maintaining strict safety standards, it helps normalize marijuana use while keeping it controlled and professional.

By choosing to get a medical marijuana card, Ohio residents can continue supporting the industry’s growth while enjoying practical, financial, and legal benefits for themselves.

Final Thoughts

The opening of Belmont County’s first marijuana dispensary in Bridgeport marks a new chapter for the region. With recreational marijuana officially launched in Ohio, more people than ever are exploring legal marijuana options.

But even as recreational sales grow, it’s clear that securing a medical marijuana card remains the smarter path, offering lower taxes, higher purchase limits, exclusive discounts, and better product access.

As the Bridgeport dispensary prepares to open its doors, now is the perfect time to get your medical marijuana card and maximize everything Ohio’s growing marijuana market has to offer.

Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today!

Having a medical marijuana card in Ohio offers numerous benefits over recreational use. With your medical card, you gain access to higher-quality, lab-tested products, personalized care from knowledgeable physicians, and exclusive dispensary discounts, ensuring you receive safe, effective, and affordable relief. Not to mention, the tax savings are significant when you have your medical card. 

Ohio’s medical marijuana program is tailored to prioritize patients’ needs, with evolving qualifying conditions and a commitment to improving access. Whether you’re managing chronic pain, anxiety, or another condition, your medical card empowers you to shop at licensed dispensaries with confidence, knowing you’re receiving products designed specifically for therapeutic use.

Thanks to telemedicine, obtaining your card is simple, quick, and convenient. With an Ohio Marijuana Card, you can complete your evaluation and receive a recommendation on the same day—all from the comfort of home! Schedule your appointment today!

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Doctors Who Care

Relief You Can Trust

At Ohio Marijuana Card, we’re here to make the process easy and stress-free. Our team is dedicated to helping you unlock the full benefits of Ohio’s medical marijuana program while improving your overall quality of life.

Don’t wait to start feeling better. Call us at (866) 457-5559 or schedule your evaluation today, and take advantage of the many benefits a medical card has to offer!