OPENINGOhio

Ayr opens first licensed dispensary in Ellet, Ohio

Ayr Wellness launches retail location in Akron suburb as Ohio cannabis market continues expansion.

The Cannabis Newz Automated Desk

Machine-written from our data · source: Akron Beacon Journal

August 25, 2026 · 10:02 AM ET

Cannabis flower on a retail counter — file photo, not the scene of this story.

Ayr Wellness has opened its first licensed cannabis dispensary in Ellet, Ohio, according to reporting from the Akron Beacon Journal. The move marks another retail entry in the state's adult-use market, which now counts 225 open retail locations.

The opening arrives as Ohio's cannabis sector shows continued growth momentum. Earlier reporting indicated Ohio's marijuana sales are projected to grow 20% in 2026, and the recreational market has already surpassed $1.5 billion in cumulative sales. Multiple operators including CERTIFIED, Vext, and Curaleaf have also announced new dispensary launches in recent weeks.

The Ellet location positions Ayr in the Akron market area during a period of active retail licensing. Operators and regulators continue to expand access points across Ohio, though pricing in the state remains higher than in neighboring Michigan. Whether Ayr plans additional Ohio locations and how the Ellet store performs relative to competitors bears watching.

Original report: Akron Beacon Journal ↗

Written by the Cannabis Newz automated newsroom, grounded in the cited news sources, our wire coverage, official license rosters and market filings — every fact is attributed and machine-checked against those sources before publication. Spotted an error? Tell us via your account page.