CANnabis Not CANTabis...

Top of Mind

Columbus has been buzzing with activity this week…

From the first legal puff of recreational marijuana to the not-so-legal siphoning of city data by hackers. Meanwhile, our Olympians are still making us proud in Paris. Let’s dive into the latest, with a sprinkle of trivia and a dash of Jakey Silvers.

Ohio's Recreational Marijuana Rollout: First Day Highlights and What’s Next

As of Tuesday, August 6th, Ohio has officially joined the ranks of states where recreational marijuana is legal, and the scene was bustling across the state. A total of 98 dispensaries were licensed to sell to adults 21 and older, marking a significant shift from the medical-only system that had been in place.

New Era for Ohio Marijuana Sales.

Jeff Riede, a native of Ohio, arrived at 4:20 to camp out overnight in order to be the first to purchase recreational marijuana. In Columbus, there was a steady stream of eager buyers at Bloom Medicinals, with celebratory cheers as customers emerged with their purchases. Customers had a variety of products to choose from, including flower and edibles, but some were surprised by the prices, which were higher than those in neighboring Michigan.

As expected, lines were a feature of the day, though they were shorter than anticipated at many locations. At Nar Reserve, the initial rush was tempered with manageable wait times, while Truelieve in Westerville saw a line stretching around the building. Despite the excitement, some customers expressed frustration over Ohio’s higher prices compared to Michigan, although industry insiders predict prices will decrease as supply ramps up.

Why So Much Cheaper For That Team Up North?

While Ohioans were thrilled to finally make recreational marijuana purchases legally, many faced a sad fact. Prices in Ohio’s dispensaries are noticeably higher than those in Michigan, where an oversupply of cannabis has driven down costs. For instance, Michelle Witten from Upper Sandusky found that $40 didn’t stretch as far at Ohio Cannabis Company in Harpster compared to Michigan. Zoe Irving, visiting Amplify in Columbus, noticed the price discrepancy but decided to stick with local options for convenience. Industry experts suggest that as Ohio’s market stabilizes and the supply increases, prices should become more competitive.

New Albany’s Stand Against Recreational Marijuana:

Not everyone in Ohio is on board with the recreational marijuana wave. New Albany has extended its ban on medical marijuana to include recreational sales. The City Council’s decision reflects ongoing concerns about marijuana despite its new legal status. While residents can still grow a limited number of plants for personal use, commercial sales remain off-limits in this area. This is part of a broader trend, with several Ohio towns implementing bans or delays as they navigate the new legislation.

What’s Next for Marijuana Sales in Ohio?

The majority of Ohio medical marijuana dispensaries received dual-use certificates of operation to begin recreational sales on August 6th. The Division of Cannabis Control plans to approve additional businesses later this week. Despite the excitement of the launch, there are still several steps to go before the full market is operational. For instance, new stores and social equity program licenses will take time to roll out. As the state adjusts to the new market dynamics, Ohioans can expect continued changes and improvements in the marijuana sales landscape.

Scarlet Letter Trivia

Question: On August 22, 1975, Governor James Rhodes signed a bill decriminalizing cannabis, making Ohio the sixth state to do so. What was the maximum fine for possession of up to 100 grams of cannabis under this new law?

A. $10
B. $100
C. $150
D. $250

E W Jewelers

In the News

Digital Smoke Signals: Columbus Data Breach Fallout…
Hackers Release Stolen Columbus Data on Dark Web:

The City of Columbus is facing a digital nightmare as foreign hackers from the Rhysida group have begun releasing data stolen from city servers on the dark web. This breach has sent shockwaves through the community, with city employees and residents alike scrambling to secure their personal information.

The Rhysida group claimed responsibility for the hack and is reportedly holding an auction for the stolen data, asking for 30 bitcoins—approximately $1.7 million. Despite city officials' attempts to contain the breach, the hackers have started leaking data online, putting countless individuals at risk. Screenshots from the dark web reveal that the stolen data includes pay grade rates, addresses, and Social Security numbers, among other sensitive information.

City officials have remained tight-lipped, citing an ongoing investigation involving the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security. Meanwhile, Columbus employees have been offered free credit monitoring services, though frustration is mounting over the lack of clear communication from city leaders.

As the city grapples with the aftermath, cybersecurity experts are urging all Columbus residents to change their passwords and set up two-factor authentication. If the city had read our previous newsletter from July 12th beautifully called ARMAGEDDON! Maybe they wouldn’t have these issues.

Gymnastics and Beyond: Olympic Medals and Misses:

Simone’s Still Shining!

Since our last newsletter, our Ohio athletes have been making waves in Paris. Here’s a quick rundown of how our hometown heroes are faring:

Joe Kovacs (Shot Put): Joe’s shot at gold didn’t pan out, but he still clinched a silver medal. That’s a solid performance from the Columbus-based powerhouse!

Hunter Armstrong (Swimming): Hunter added a silver medal to his tally with the Men’s 4x100m Medley Relay team. His contribution was crucial in securing this podium finish.

Katie Moon (Pole Vault): Katie soared to a silver medal in the pole vault. Not quite gold, but still a stellar performance from Olmstead Falls’ finest.

LeBron James (Basketball): Team USA is in the Gold Medal match tomorrow taking on 7’ 4” star Victor Wembanyama and the host nation France. We like our chances.

Simone Biles (Gymnastics): Simone has once again proven she’s the GOAT, bringing home 3 gold medals and 1 silver. With this haul, she’s now the most decorated American gymnast of all time. That’s right, she’s officially outshone everyone, including Allyson Felix.

Another Local Medalist!

Noble Cut wins GOLD!

Our Friends over at @noblecut earned multiple medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Valentina’s Melon Basil and Cento Limoncellos soared to Silver medal wins while Melon Basil took home the esteemed Platinum medal, and the Cento Limoncello secured a Silver. Cheers to these award-winning spirits! You can head to the distillery here in Columbus and try them all. Click the link below to book a tour!

What else did they win?

Gold

GOLD MEDAL Noble Cut Distillery VoHio Vodka $9.16 --- Award Code: 1843

Silver

Cento Limoncello --- Award Code: 1845

Melon Basil Limoncello --- Award Code: 1846

Shiphouse Vodka --- Award Code: 1847

Manhattan --- Award Code: 83

Bronze

Limited Edition Limoncello --- Award Code: 1844

The Espresso Martini --- Award Code: 82

The Dirty Martini --- Award Code: 84

Trivia Answer

C. $150 - Under that Ohio law, the possession of up to 100 grams (3½ oz) of marijuana is a "minor misdemeanor" which carries a maximum fine of $150.

According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reports, Ohio saw 17,000 arrests for marijuana possession in 2013. According to a 2013 ACLU analysis, the likelihood of African Americans being arrested for marijuana possession in Ohio was 4.1 times higher than that of Caucasians.

Signing Off