A handful of cannabis businesses in Ohio are facing hefty fines after running unapproved promotions in the days leading up to the adult-use launch.
Recreational cannabis sales in Ohio kicked off on August 6 after voters approved legalization in November 2023.
In anticipation, many cannabis companies in the state began marketing strategies.
Companies including Standard Farms and Bloom Medicinals were fined for putting up billboards and sending emails to customers.
But the largest fine, a $150,000 penalty, was issued to Greenleaf Apothecaries for parking an ice cream truck at one of its dispensaries on the first day of adult-use sales.
Ohio specifically banned dispensaries from dispensaries from featuring food trucks or any other food offered either for free or for sale.
According to Cleveland.com, five cannabis licensees were fined a total of $212,500 for the various promotions violations.
