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MUSKINGUM COUNTY, Ohio — The state Commerce Department has awarded Ohio’s first certificate of operation to a medical marijuana processor, allowing for the conversion of cannabis into edibles, tinctures, creams and other products.

Grow Ohio in Muskingum County received its certificate Thursday. Commerce Department spokeswoman Kerry Francis says 37 other processors awarded provisional licenses are working on receiving their certificates of operation. The state plans to award licenses to two more processors, bringing the total to 40.

A Grow Ohio spokesman says the company will operate from a 60,000-square-foot facility outside Zanesville.

Only plant material — buds — have been available for purchase since the state’s first dispensaries opened in mid-January.

Around 5,500 Ohioans have purchased medical marijuana thus far.

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