According to the Columbus City Auditor’s Office, the funds represent revenue collected between August 2024—when sales first began in Ohio—through November 2025.
Ohio voters approved adult-use marijuana in November 2023. Since then, nearly 200 dispensaries have opened statewide, including 21 within Columbus city limits.
In a statement, Mayor Andrew Ginther’s office said Columbus City Council voted to place the revenue into a special reserve fund. Any future use of the fund will require council approval.
Ginther’s office added the mayor wants the money directed toward critical community needs amid a tight city budget. Possible priorities include the city’s Resilient Housing Initiative, the Community Shelter Board, and other essential human services.
City Council President Shannon Hardin said the council passed an ordinance in early January reaffirming plans to use the funds for human services, education, and workforce development programs.
“We are happy to finally get these funds we have been waiting for,” Hardin said, adding he expects the city to begin receiving monthly payments from the state going forward.