HIGH Expectations

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Blazing Trails and Burning Expectations…

Weed dealer files for unemployment after Ohio goes legal with the mary jane.  In just the first five days of legal adult-use cannabis sales, the Buckeye State's dispensaries have raked in over $11.5 million. That's right, Ohioans were apparently so eager to "relax" that they burned through enough green to put us on track to join the billion-dollar cannabis club by next year. Talk about making up for lost time.

If that wasn’t enough, Ohio’s medical cannabis program also saw a spike, with sales hitting over $8.3 million in the same week. It seems everyone—whether for recreation or "medication"—wanted a piece of the action. With both markets combined, Ohio’s cannabis industry is pacing toward a staggering $1.3 billion in annual sales, potentially outshining Michigan’s first year and making us the new Midwest marijuana mecca.

Dispensaries across the state, 120 of which received the coveted dual-use license, sold over 1,285 pounds of adult-use flower and a jaw-dropping 173,043 units of edibles, vape cartridges, and other "necessary" items. Ohioans, it seems, are truly embracing the high life.

Of course, this unprecedented enthusiasm has come with a price hike—average flower prices jumped nearly 20% in the first week alone. But what’s a little inflation when you’re making history?

As the state continues to hand out more dispensary licenses, it’s clear that Ohio’s cannabis revolution is just getting started. So, buckle up whether you’re a seasoned consumer or just here for the snacks—this will be a wild ride.

Step Right Up

The Rise and Fall of Columbus’s Forgotten Amusement Parks…

Before Columbus became synonymous with Buckeyes and breweries, it was home to two amusement parks that brought joy, thrills, and the occasional motion sickness to the masses. Let’s rewind to the early 1900s when Olentangy Park and Indianola Park were the hottest spots in town long before they became mere footnotes in our city’s history.

Olentangy Park was the crown jewel, stretching across 100 acres along the Olentangy River. It was the place to be, boasting the world’s largest scenic roller coaster, a zoo, and even early motion picture showings. Families picnicked while kids marveled at the wonders in their own backyard. But as the Great Depression loomed, the joyous screams from the roller coasters were replaced by the sounds of closing gates. By 1937, Olentangy Park was history, leaving behind only street names and a few nostalgic photos as reminders of its glory days.

Just a trolley ride away in the University District, Indianola Park was the go-to spot from 1905 to 1937. Conceived by a dentist turned developer—because apparently, pulling teeth wasn’t thrilling enough—this 30-acre park offered a figure-8 roller coaster, a massive swimming pool, and a dance pavilion that kept the jazz age swinging. Indianola even doubled as the home field for the Columbus Panhandles, an early NFL team, proving that Columbus has always had a thing for combining sports and fun.

But as with Olentangy, the Great Depression took its toll on Indianola Park. It held on a bit longer, with crowds seeking solace in its cooling waters during the sweltering summers of the early '30s. By the end of 1937, though, the gates were closed for good. Today, the site has been transformed into the Indianola Park Shopping Center, where dive bars and dollar stores have replaced the thrills of yesteryear. In classic Columbus fashion, we decided that massive roller coasters and pools were just too much fun, so we paved them over.

So, next time you’re in Clintonville or the University District, take a moment to imagine the laughter, lights, and joy that once filled the air. While these parks may be gone, their stories remind us of a time when life was a bit more magical, and the most significant decision of the day was whether to ride the coaster one more time or save room for a spin on the carousel.

Scarlet Letter Trivia

Question: How many public pools exist in Columbus, Ohio?

A. 22
B. 8
C. 19
D. 15

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Where Are They Now?

The Great Cedar Point Zoo Escape: USDA Cracks Down:

Remember that time Cedar Point’s petting zoo had its very own jailbreak? Well, the USDA sure does, and they’ve been keeping a close eye on things ever since.

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Back in June, Cedar Point’s petting zoo found itself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. On June 11, two camels decided they’d had enough of the tourist life and made a break for it. Just a few days later, on June 15, a group of goats followed suit, proving that even the most miniature animals can have big dreams of freedom.

Fast forward to June 17, when the USDA came knocking, clipboard in hand, and found some glaring issues. According to the inspection report (which PETA kindly shared with the world), the petting zoo failed to meet three key USDA regulations. First up, visitors somehow managed to waltz right into the camels’ enclosure and set them loose—a security breach that screams “update your locks.” Second, the zoo didn’t have enough staff to keep the peace or the animals in their pens. Third, the goats, llamas, and alpacas were apparently housed in an enclosure with a gaping hole in the fence—a literal open invitation to escape.

The good news (if you can call it that) is that all infractions were brought up to USDA standards by July 1, so the animals are back where they belong, and the zoo can breathe a sigh of relief.

But let this be a lesson to all of us: even the happiest place on Earth can have its fences tested—especially when goats are involved.

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 Cento Limoncello secured a silver medal. 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!

Trivia Answer

B. 8 - For some reason, we were expecting more…

Signing Off