New Ohio Medical Marijuana Dispensary Coming to Akron

A new chapter in Akron’s healthcare landscape is unfolding as plans move forward for a new medical marijuana dispensary in the Firestone Park neighborhood. If approved, the dispensary will repurpose a well-known local landmark, the former Steinly’s Restaurant, bringing expanded access to medical marijuana for Akron residents.

As Ohio’s marijuana market evolves, it’s more important than ever to understand why having a medical marijuana card is still the best option for Ohioans, even after the launch of recreational marijuana sales.

A Look at Akron’s Newest Medical Marijuana Project

The proposed dispensary will be located at 235 E. Waterloo Road, inside the old Steinly’s Restaurant building. Once a beloved drive-up diner known for its hearty breakfasts and community feel, Steinly’s closed its doors in 2024, two years after the passing of its longtime owner, Bernard Steinly.

Now, thanks to a proposal by Craig Maurer, owner of Columbus-based cultivator CannaMed Therapeutics, the site could soon serve the community in a new way, providing medical marijuana products to qualified patients.

Maurer’s company, which also operates Terrasana dispensaries across Ohio, is known for its commitment to security, patient care, and community reinvestment. At a recent meeting, Maurer emphasized several key points about the planned Akron location:

• Full Security: Armed guards on duty, plus full interior and exterior camera coverage.

• Strict Regulation: All inventory monitored by the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control.

• New Jobs: The dispensary will create 20–30 local jobs, paying at least $20/hour.

• Community Give-Back: “Days of Giving” events will donate a portion of sales to local charities.

Renovations will include updated landscaping, a new parking lot, and fresh lighting to revitalize the former restaurant site. If approved by Akron City Council, the dispensary could open its doors by early 2026.

Local Concerns and Community Support

While the project has received support from city leaders, a few concerns were raised by Firestone Park residents during the public meeting:

• Proximity to Schools: Some worried about the dispensary's distance from Voris Community Learning Center. However, at 900 feet away, it easily meets Ohio’s law requiring dispensaries to be at least 500 feet from schools, parks, and churches.

• Public Safety and Impaired Driving: Residents asked about law enforcement’s ability to handle marijuana-related impairment on the roads. Summit County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich acknowledged that Ohio laws are evolving and law enforcement is adapting.

• Community Perception: Some still expressed stigma-related concerns, despite marijuana’s legal medical use in Ohio since 2016.

Maurer addressed these issues by noting that no marijuana consumption is allowed on-site, the average visit lasts under 10 minutes, and online ordering will streamline the process for patients.

A Rapidly Changing Landscape

Ohio officially launched recreational marijuana sales in 2024, but not every dispensary, including the proposed Firestone Park location, is open for recreational customers. Only dispensaries with a dual-use license can serve both medical patients and recreational users, which means medical marijuana patients still have special access and purchasing advantages across the state.

Even with recreational marijuana available, holding a medical marijuana card continues to offer major benefits. Medical patients are exempt from the 10% excise tax added to recreational purchases, saving significant money over time. Cardholders also enjoy higher purchase limits, exclusive discounts at many dispensaries, and access to stronger, medical-only products that aren’t available to recreational customers.

Beyond savings and product access, having a medical marijuana card provides important legal protection. Patients with a card can show that their use is fully authorized and compliant with Ohio law, offering peace of mind when it comes to possession limits and enforcement. For Ohio residents, securing a medical marijuana card remains the best way to maximize access, affordability, and protection.

Summary

The proposed Akron medical marijuana dispensary represents another positive step forward for Ohio’s growing marijuana industry. With a focus on security, community support, and patient care, the Firestone Park location could soon provide Akron residents with safe, reliable access to much-needed medical marijuana products.

As Ohio’s recreational marijuana market expands, it’s more important than ever to recognize the lasting value of holding a medical marijuana card, from lower taxes and higher purchase limits to exclusive discounts and better product access.

If you live in Akron or anywhere in Ohio, now’s the perfect time to get your medical marijuana card and start enjoying the full benefits available to patients. Schedule with us today!

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!