The Ohio Cannabis Health & Business Summit (OCHBS) held its fifth annual event at the IX Center in Cleveland on October 3-4, 2025. This two-day gathering attracted around 5,000 attendees, including consumers, medical patients, and industry professionals. According to OCHBS founder and CEO Lenny Berry, the summit featured over 70 speakers and 150 exhibitors, emphasizing the growing interest in the cannabis sector.
One topic that resonated strongly among attendees was the recent surge in popularity of pre-rolled joints. Following a revision by the Ohio Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) in August, these products became available for sale, marking a significant development in the state’s cannabis market. Alisha Batac, senior marketing manager at King City Gardens in Cincinnati, remarked, “They’ve done that really, really well. It’s been in high demand,” highlighting the competitive advantage pre-rolls provide in a rapidly evolving market.
Initially excluded from the recreational product lineup, pre-rolls were allowed only after the DCC established specific requirements for their sale. Spenser Nikitin, team training manager at Klutch Cannabis, expressed appreciation for the DCC’s adaptability: “Pre-rolls are a perfect example. Finally, they’re here and people have been waiting for that.” He emphasized the convenience these products offer to consumers who may not have the ability or desire to roll their own.
Despite the consumer enthusiasm for pre-rolls, industry operators face challenges. Jared Maloof, CEO of Standard Wellness, noted that while initial sales have been promising, the introduction of pre-rolls complicates regulatory compliance. “It’s another form factor,” he explained, indicating that new guidelines must be followed for approval to sell these products. Nonetheless, he concluded that the overall result is a more robust marketplace.
Steady Growth in Ohio’s Cannabis Market
Since the launch of adult-use cannabis sales in Ohio, the industry has experienced gradual growth, surpassing $700 million in recreational sales within its first year, according to the DCC. The state collected more than $62.4 million in tax revenue from a 10% tax on these sales. With 170 licensed dispensaries, 37 cultivators, and eight testing laboratories, the state’s cannabis landscape has expanded significantly.
Daniel Kessler, CEO at Riviera Creek, noted that the realization of the legal market took time for many consumers. “It took a few months for the industry to understand that it’s now an active market,” he said. He observed that as more stores opened, consumer awareness grew, leading to increased foot traffic.
The role of Ohio’s licensed testing laboratories is crucial in ensuring product safety and consumer confidence. Brian Kessler, chairman of the board at Riviera Creek, emphasized the importance of rigorous testing standards to avoid potential health risks: “We believe in high testing because we want quality product on the market.”
Future of the Summit and Industry Outlook
While the OCHBS continues to thrive, this year’s summit marked its final event at the IX Center, due to uncertainties surrounding the venue’s future. In 2026, OCHBS will relocate to Columbus, making it the first time the event will occur outside of Cleveland. Berry founded OCHBS in 2019, and although the event faced interruptions due to COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021, it has successfully returned and expanded.
The next OCHBS is scheduled for September 23-24, 2026, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Exhibitors have expressed enthusiasm about the new location, as many are eager to take part in the event without the need for extensive travel. Dameon Winlock, executive sales associate at OCHBS, remarked, “If you want to network and get educated on cannabis, this is the place to be.”
As the cannabis industry in Ohio continues to develop, events like the OCHBS play a pivotal role in fostering education, networking, and growth, shaping the future of cannabis commerce and culture in the state.
