Akron City Council Approves Marijuana Dispensary in Ward 1

The Landing dispensary will open in a vacant CVS in Akron's Merriman Valley

Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:39am

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Akron City Council voted 8-5 to approve the opening of a new marijuana dispensary called The Landing in the city's Merriman Valley neighborhood, located in a vacant CVS building. The dispensary will be operated by Firelands Scientific.

Why it matters

The approval of the new marijuana dispensary in Akron's Merriman Valley highlights the ongoing debate around the legalization and regulation of cannabis in Ohio. While some residents welcomed the new business, others expressed concerns about the impact on the local community.

The details

After a lengthy review process, Akron City Council voted to allow Firelands Scientific to open a new marijuana dispensary called The Landing in a vacant CVS building in the Merriman Valley neighborhood. The 8-5 vote came after significant debate and input from local residents, some of whom were opposed to the dispensary's location.

  • The Akron City Council vote took place on January 30, 2026.

The players

Akron City Council

The legislative body of the city of Akron, Ohio, responsible for approving the opening of the new marijuana dispensary in the Merriman Valley neighborhood.

Firelands Scientific

The company that will be operating the new marijuana dispensary called The Landing in Akron's Merriman Valley.

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What they’re saying

“While I understand the desire for increased access to legal cannabis, I have concerns about the impact this dispensary could have on our community.”

— Resident

What’s next

The city will now work with Firelands Scientific to ensure the dispensary meets all necessary regulations and requirements before opening its doors to the public.

The takeaway

The approval of The Landing dispensary in Akron's Merriman Valley reflects the ongoing evolution of cannabis legalization and regulation in Ohio, as local communities balance economic development with community concerns.