COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Commerce has launched a new online resource to promote the responsible consumption of alcohol and cannabis among those Ohio adults who choose to use them.

This new guide reflects the agency’s commitment to enhancing public education and community awareness of key consumer safety topics related to the use of both substances among individuals 21 and over.

The comprehensive resource, now available at com.ohio.gov/responsibility, connects adults with key educational materials, tools and resources that support informed and responsible choices. It also offers tailored guidance on the consumption of alcohol and cannabis, spotlighting key differences between the two substances while stressing safety and compliance with state regulations.

Alcohol Responsibility

As it relates to alcohol, the resource highlights the efforts of the Division of Liquor Control, including its partnership with Ohio Liquor (OHLQ) — a unique public-private collaboration that channels profits from high-proof liquor sales into job creation. OHLQ operates under three critical pillars: responsibility, stewardship and community support.

“This resource reflects our commitment to empowering Ohioans with the knowledge they need to make safe, informed decisions that protect not just themselves, but their families and communities,” Division Superintendent Jackie DeGenova said.

Social responsibility lies at the heart of OHLQ’s mission. Examples include educational campaigns that focus on preventing underage drinking and fostering conversations between parents and children about alcohol use.

In addition, for those individuals who are interested in exploring how to consume alcohol responsibly and how to make informed and balanced choices, OHLQ has a number of tools and resources available on its website, including drink calculators, cocktail recipes, and information on nonalcoholic alternatives.

Cannabis Safety

Following the launch of non-medical cannabis sales in Ohio in 2024, the Division of Cannabis Control has taken a proactive approach to ensure consumer awareness, safety and accountability. In addition to reminding consumers that cannabis use is legal only for those 21 and older, the resource highlights key risks that cannabis use can pose to those under the age of 25. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can adversely affect developing brains, which continue maturing until the age of 25. Preventing access to cannabis products by children and teens is critical in protecting their safety and health.

“It’s critical that any adult who chooses to use cannabis products understands their responsibility to use good judgment and ensure the safety of those around them,” Division Superintendent Jim Canepa said. “It is important to always remember that cannabis products must be kept out of the hands of minors. Adults who choose to use these products should always do so in a responsible, safe, and legal manner.”

The resource also advises Ohioans on best practices for cannabis consumption, such as consulting with medical professionals, avoiding mixing cannabis with alcohol, and securely storing products to keep them out of the reach of children. It also emphasizes important public safety reminders, such as the prohibition of using cannabis in public spaces and the extreme dangers of driving while impaired.

It also highlights the steps the Division has taken to ensure consumer protection, such as requiring that all cannabis sold in Ohio pass rigorous third-party testing to ensure products are free from harmful contaminants, products are accurately labeled for potency, packaging is child-resistant, and products are not marketed in any way that might appeal to minors.

A Broader Commitment to Public Safety

Both Divisions operate under the shared mission of the Ohio Department of Commerce: promoting prosperity by protecting what matters most. In addition to these efforts, the divisions play a pivotal role in collecting taxes and fees from the industries in which they regulate, which directly support mental health services and substance abuse prevention programs across the state.

For example, liquor permit fees and taxes fund local community initiatives and treatment efforts, while cannabis excise taxes further contribute to community development, reflecting the Department’s commitment to addressing broader social and public health concerns.