The Ohio Cannabis Health and Business Summit (OCHBS) took place October 4th and

5th, showcasing enthusiastic business owners and operators in the state’s “newish” cannabis industry, and Fat Nugs Magazine was there with our photographer, Chris Birdsong to experience it all. 

This year’s event was pretty special and included a steady flow of attendees and some solid educational opportunities. As the cannabis market continues to evolve, the OCHBS is the perfect event to showcase that Ohio is quite possibly on the brink of becoming a major player in the national market.

The Cannabis Industry in Ohio

One of the obvious things that stood out at this year’s OCHBS was the number of attendees. From what I was told, attendance was up this year while it was down at other events in the state. The summit was filled with professionals from all corners of the cannabis industry who were there to connect, share insights, and build relationships. Everyone seemed to be excited to exchange ideas and explore potential collaborations, and you could actually feel the energy in the room.

As attendees walked up and down all the rows of hopeful brands and businesses, they had the opportunity to learn about products, services, cultivation techniques, lighting, and even soil. The diversity was impressive and showed how the early market in Ohio is welcoming to just about everyone. The ability to see and interact with so many brands not only opened up networking opportunities but also sparked conversations about best practices and industry challenges. This helped to reinforce the idea that the collective knowledge and innovation within the Ohio cannabis community will hopefully drive its success, despite the regulatory hurdles.

Education at the OCHBS

Education was another important aspect of the OCHBS, featuring a series of panels that

covered a variety of topics relevant to the industry. “Experts and thought leaders”

shared their insights on everything from regulatory compliance to marketing strategies, and even brand building which gave attendees a wealth of knowledge to take back home. These discussions were extremely relevant, especially given the challenges Ohio cannabis operators face, including a sometimes-hostile DCC (Division of Cannabis Control) which is the regulatory body operating in an environment where they seem to enjoy making examples of brands that might cross the line.

One thing to take special note of was how Lenny Berry, the founder of the OCHBS, not only played a critical role in pulling off a successful event of this magnitude, but he was present on the expo floor helping with garbage cans, passing out shirts, interacting with and taking pictures with attendees and so on. His presence made for an intimate expo even though there were thousands of people everywhere.  His dedication and hard work, along with his talented team, ensured that the summit was not only well-organized but also engaging and informative. 

The OCHBS was hard proof that the collaborative efforts of passionate individuals and organizations in Ohio will pull together knowledge and resources to build a more favorable environment for cannabis businesses. The event, now in its fourth year is at the forefront of this new market providing a platform for education, advocacy, and a genuine connection. It’s evident that the summit is not merely a gathering of brands and businesses; it’s a catalyst for change within the industry. Looking ahead, the potential for the Ohio cannabis market is immense, and the OCHBS will be important to realizing that potential.

Overall, the Ohio Cannabis Health and Business Summit was a massive success for a variety of reasons. From the lively interactions among attendees to the wealth of knowledge shared in panel discussions to an afterparty at the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame that rivals any industry party - the event embodied the spirit of collaboration and innovation that defines the cannabis industry. And despite the regulatory hurdles and challenges that lie ahead, the dedication of leaders like Lenny Berry, along with the commitment of Ohio’s cannabis professionals signals a promising future for the state overall.  I would like to say a personal thank you to Lenny Berry and his entire team who made our visit to Ohio welcoming, easy, and fun. We look forward to attending and being a part of the festivities for years to come!