Ohio’s Division of Cannabis Control Raises Questions About Cincinnati Marijuana Festival
A recent marijuana festival in Cincinnati, Ohio, has raised concerns about the legality of the event. The Cincy Cloud Festival, which took place at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds, allowed attendees to consume marijuana on site and featured vendors selling cannabis products. However, the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control has deemed the event illegal, citing state laws that prohibit the sale of marijuana outside of licensed dispensaries.
The festival’s organizer, Cannabis Chic, advertised the event as a “high-end” experience, with tickets ranging from $30 to $100. The event featured live music, edibles, and “elevated” surprises, but attendees were not allowed to purchase cannabis products on site.
The Ohio Division of Cannabis Control has clarified that the sale of marijuana is only permitted at state-licensed dispensaries, and that sales outside of these dispensaries are illegal. The agency has also reminded Ohioans that consuming non-medical cannabis in public areas is considered a minor misdemeanor.
Local law enforcement agencies, including the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, have also raised concerns about the festival. While the office did not initially respond to requests for comment, a spokesperson later stated that the department was not notified about the event until this week and that off-duty deputies were not allowed to work at the festival.
Kent Katkin, a law professor at Northern Kentucky University, has also weighed in on the issue, stating that the festival is likely illegal and that law enforcement may not take action due to concerns about prosecution and public opinion.
The controversy surrounding the festival has sparked debate about the legality of marijuana events in Ohio. The state’s recreational marijuana laws are still relatively new, and the Ohio Senate has recently pushed forward a set of changes to the state’s legal framework.
The proposed changes, which are currently being considered by the state House, would reduce the potency of THC extracts, limit serving sizes of edible products, and allow for the expungement of marijuana-related convictions. However, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio has opposed the bill, citing concerns about the penalties for smoking, vaporizing, or combusting cannabis in a vehicle.
As the debate continues, the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control has emphasized the importance of following state laws and regulations regarding marijuana. The agency has reminded Ohioans that the use of non-medical cannabis in public areas is considered a minor misdemeanor and that sales outside of licensed dispensaries are illegal.
In the meantime, the Cincy Cloud Festival’s organizers have refused to comment on the controversy, and the event’s future remains uncertain
