CERTIFIED opens 5th Ohio dispensary in East Columbus

Multi-location operator expands footprint as Ohio market nears 225 retail locations statewide.

FILE — retail · My 420 Tours / CC BY-SA 4.0

CERTIFIED has opened its fifth dispensary location in East Columbus, according to Cannabis Business Times. State license records show the operator holds four active dual-use retail licenses, with the new opening marking continued expansion in Ohio's adult-use market.

The move comes as Ohio's retail footprint approaches 222 open locations statewide and the market exceeded $1.5 billion in sales through mid-August. Concurrent with CERTIFIED's expansion, other operators including Vireo Growth (which acquired four Ohio cannabis businesses) and Curaleaf are advancing new locations, signaling sustained competition for market share.

The East Columbus location adds to CERTIFIED's established presence and suggests the operator sees growth potential within the state. Watch whether other multi-location operators accelerate openings in similar urban markets as retail density increases and licensing consolidation continues.