Self-service kiosks for Ohio dispensaries

IN-STORE SCREEN RULES · OHIO

What you can show on screens in Ohio

A single Division of Cannabis Control rule, effective January 15, 2026, now governs advertising for medical, adult-use, and dual-use dispensaries and, per the Division, replaces the former Board of Pharmacy rule and its $100-per-advertisement fee, although that older rule still appears on the state code site. In-store screens are treated as advertising: no health-related statements of any kind on menus (the Division lists words like "relaxing," "sleepy," and "pain relief"), no depictions of consumption, no content attractive to children, product names must match the registered names, and any depiction of packaging must show the DCC seal and THC symbol. Since March 20, 2026, the statute requires names, logos, signs, and materials to be submitted to the Division for approval, deemed approved after 21 business days, and the Division reviews advertising through its eLicense portal; whether every menu layout must be submitted, and whether a fee applies, is not settled. Exterior menu signs and billboards are prohibited, illuminated wayfinding signs are allowed, cannabis in the retail area must not be visible from outside, free cannabis is prohibited, and discounts may be shown only under a Division-approved written discount policy.

Applies to: medical, adult-use, and dual-use dispensaries, under one DCC rule since January 15, 2026. Regulator: Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Cannabis Control (DCC).

• One Division rule covers advertising for cannabis "whether medical or adult-use," and the Division states it replaces the former Board of Pharmacy advertising rule. “OAC 1301:18-4-22 replaces OAC 3796:5-7-01 and 3796:6-3-24.” (OAC 1301:18-4-22(B); DCC newsletter, January 15, 2026)
• Menus are advertising: no health-related statement anywhere, including menus. The Division lists "sleep or sleepy," "relaxing," "energy," "pain relief," "calming," and onset or duration references as examples. “No advertising, whether on a package, menu, website, or other medium, may contain a health-related statement.” (DCC Advertising Guidance (January 2026); OAC 1301:18-4-22(A)(9))
• The statute bars any advertisement suggesting adult-use marijuana has health or therapeutic benefits. (ORC 3796.32(E))
• No content attractive to children; no cartoon, fictional, or pop-culture characters aimed at youth; no depiction of consumption; nothing encouraging excessive use or intoxication. (OAC 1301:18-4-22(A)(3)-(6))
• Product names on screens must match the registered name; no slang. (OAC 1301:18-4-22(A)(7))
• Since March 20, 2026, names, logos, signs, and materials must be submitted to and approved by the Division, deemed approved if not denied within 21 business days; the Division reviews advertising applications through eLicense. Whether each in-store menu layout must be submitted, and whether a fee applies, is not settled. “No person shall advertise medical or adult-use marijuana using names, logos, signs, or materials that have not been submitted to, and approved by, the division” (ORC 3796.32(G))
• The former Board of Pharmacy rule required submission and a $100 fee per advertisement; the Division says it is replaced, but it still appears un-rescinded on the state code site. (OAC 3796:6-3-24(C); OAC 3796:6-5-01(C))
• Exterior signage is limited to wayfinding on the parcel or a monument sign; exterior menu signs and billboards are prohibited; illuminated signs are now permitted. “Exterior menu signs are prohibited.” (DCC Advertising Guidance (January 2026); OAC 1301:18-4-22(E))
• Cannabis in the retail area’s secure zone must not be visible from outside the facility. (OAC 1301:18-8-02(E)(2)(c)(ii))
• The DCC seal and THC symbol are not required on every ad or menu tile, but any depiction of packaging or labeling on a menu must show them accurately. “The DCC seal and THC symbol are required to be included accurately on any advertising depictions of cannabis packaging or labeling, such as dispensary menus.” (DCC newsletter, January 15, 2026; OAC 1301:18-4-22(H)-(J))
• No free cannabis; discounts only under a Division-approved written discount policy with parity for registered patients; loyalty programs may not discount cannabis. “A dispensary may only offer discounts in accordance with a written discount policy that has been submitted to and approved by the Division” (DCC Discounts and Loyalty Programs Guidance (March 2026); OAC 1301:18-8-11)
• The 500-foot buffer from schools, churches, libraries, playgrounds, and parks does not apply to signage on the licensee’s facility. No required consumer warning text on advertisements, and no rule on in-store video or moving signs, was found. (ORC 3796.32(F)(2); OAC 1301:18-4-22)

Potency on menus: No rule found for menus or screens; potency is a labeling matter.

Where the rule is "keep it accurate," a menu that reads from the POS does the work: sold-out products drop off on their own and the price on the wall is the price at the register. Where the rule is about content, the layout and the campaign are yours to keep inside the lines.

Summary for kiosks operators, reviewed against the primary sources on September 24, 2026. Not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Cannabis Control (DCC) before a campaign goes live. Every state: in-store screen rules by state.