Ohio regulators issued more than $200,000 in fines to five cannabis retailers for violating marketing and promotional restrictions surrounding the Aug. 6 launch of adult-use sales.
According to Cleveland.com, the state’s Division of Cannabis Control issued the following penalties:
- $150,000 and a $12,500 fine to Greenleaf Apothecaries, which operates The Botanist dispensaries, for using an ice cream truck to advertise recreational sales, employee social media posts touting free ice cream as well as signage larger than permitted.
- A $12,500 fine to Bloom Medicinals for using a sign larger than 16×18 inches and one unattached to its store.
- A $12,500 fine to multistate operator Green Thumb Industries, which operates Rise outlets, for disseminating a promotional email in June alerting medical marijuana patients that cannabis would be available for adult-use and MMJ patrons as of June 10 – nearly two months before recreational marijuana sales kicked off.
- A $12,500 fine to Standard Farms.
- A $12,500 fine to Guaranteed Dispensary.
The other infractions include minor violations, including using “recreational” in promotional materials and misidentifying license status.
In July, Ohio regulators issued several restrictions for retailers that could dampen the celebratory vibe that traditionally marks the first day of adult use – and a new era of marijuana policy.
The outdoor restrictions were among several anomalies in the rollout of recreational cannabis sales in Ohio compared to other market launches.
