What if Your Favorite TV Show Could Be a Medical Superhero?

Let’s talk about the power of storytelling, especially when it comes to shedding light on medical conditions like ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). While ALS might not always grab the headlines in popular media, showcasing fictional characters grappling with the disease can be a powerful tool for raising awareness. This ALS Awareness Month, we’re diving into a particular portrayal of ALS in NBC’s TV series “Chicago Med.”

Lydia may have been a small character on “Chicago Med,” but her plot had a lasting influence on fans. Lydia’s path after being diagnosed with a rare form of the qualifying condition, called “bulbar ALS,” mirrored the real-life obstacles that people with ALS face. Despite her limited screen time, Lydia’s story added depth to the show and offered viewers a glimpse into the challenges of living with ALS.

Through Lydia’s character, we witnessed the highs and lows of her journey. As her condition progressed, Lydia experienced changes in her speech and sudden emotional outbursts, both of which were linked to the degeneration of brain cells associated with ALS.

According to healthline, about 30,000 people across the United States are grappling with ALS.1 Often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS is a rare condition that affects the nervous system, particularly the motor neurons that control muscle movement and breathing in the brain and spinal cord. Imagine facing challenges like struggling to chew and swallow, dealing with muscle cramps and twitches, or even feeling your speech falter. That’s the daily reality for many battling ALS.2

While Lydia’s storyline didn’t explicitly dive into it, “Chicago Med” subtly hinted at the evolving landscape of ALS treatment. Medical cannabis has emerged as a topic of interest in managing ALS symptoms such as muscle spasms and pain, and discussions about ALS in the media are able to raise awareness about potential alternative therapies.

Lydia’s journey allowed viewers to connect with the lived experience of ALS, encouraging empathy and understanding. As a community-based dispensary, we recognize the impact of these portrayals on fostering compassion and inclusion for people living with ALS.

The way ALS is shown in movies and TV isn’t just for people who already know about it. Sometimes, it can help those who might not even realize they have ALS. Seeing accurate and caring depictions on screen might make someone recognize symptoms they or their loved ones may be experiencing and search for medical advice. However, it’s crucial for media portrayals to be accurate and respectful. By ensuring authenticity in storytelling the media can play a vital role in educating and empowering individuals to recognize and address potential health concerns.

To learn more about ALS, visit The ALS Association, which has everything from educational information to support resources for those affected!

 

References:

  1. https://www.healthline.com/health/als-prevalence#symptoms
  2. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-als

Where Did Stoner Culture Come From?

Words have a way of painting pictures in our thoughts. When you think of the word “tranquil,” you may imagine a peaceful pool. The word “lush” could bring up images of a gorgeous garden. But what about terms that describe entire communities?

One word stands out: “stoner.” Oxford Languages defines it as “a person who regularly takes drugs, especially marijuana.” When you hear it, you may envision someone relaxed, going with the flow, and appreciating cannabis. But how did this word come to be, and why does it refer to a particular lifestyle and culture?

The term “stoner” has been around for a while, but no one knows exactly where it comes from. Anecdotal online sources state that the concept of getting “stoned” on different drugs, not simply marijuana, first appeared in the early to mid-1900s. The slang phrase became widespread during the counterculture movements of the 1960s and 1970s. According to Britannica, this was a period when individuals were experimenting with new ways of life, including the use of narcotics such as cannabis and rejecting traditional customs. 

According to Peace: The Biography of a Symbol, living during this period was about coming together for change. People gathered in groups, sharing their dreams of harmony and unity. Streets were filled with activism as people marched for civil rights, the environment, and peace. It was a lively scene, with loud chanting and vibrant flags. In this climate, the peace sign became more than just a symbol; it was a call for people to take action for a better world. It was a time of hope and action, when ordinary citizens rose up for justice and peace.

Stoner culture emerged as these groups of cannabis enthusiasts connected through their common experiences and tastes. Icons such as Bob Marley, Cheech and Chong, and cinematic characters who embodied the stoner persona played an important role in establishing the culture, which emphasizes relaxation, creativity, and connecting among its many values.

However, stoner culture is not without its challenges. While some people praise cannabis as a recreational drug and push for its legalization, others are concerned about its potential health dangers, Schedule 1 status, and impact on society, particularly among younger generations. Stoner culture tropes and stigmas have become ingrained in critics’ minds as they have spread across mainstream media since the 1960s. 

However, the typical stereotype of a stoner has begun to shift. California was the first to allow medicinal cannabis as a therapy option for specific qualifying diseases in 1996, and 40 of the 50 states have followed suit. Since then, a number of states have also moved to legalize recreational use. This change in legislation reflects shifting attitudes regarding cannabis and its potential benefits.

As a result, stoner culture is also changing. People from all areas of life are openly discussing their cannabis experiences, breaking down misconceptions and building understanding. Stoner culture, as a subset of cannabis, is constantly evolving and growing, much like the plants themselves. 

In conclusion, the evolution of stoner culture demonstrates how language, society, and personal experiences connect. The term “stoner” has multiple meanings to different people, reflecting our constantly evolving culture. As cannabis laws and social attitudes change, stoner culture will remain a unique source of interest and conversation.

Rooted Legacy: Cannabis Throughout Black History

Ancient Roots in Africa (3000 BC - 1000 AD):

Did you know that the Mexican term ‘marijuana’ is linked to the word ‘mariamba’, which was used in Kimbundu, a trade language from West and Central Africa? “A Brief Agricultural history of Cannabis in Africa” by Chris Duvall shows that cannabis came to Africa around 1000 years ago, marking the plant’s official introduction to the continent. However, there are many signs that ancient Egyptians found several uses for the cannabis plant as many as 5,000 years ago. It wasn’t until around 1500 AD that the plant’s popularity started to grow and spread over Africa. Farmers were known to cultivate the plant under a variety of settings, and cannabis gardens have been documented in many African countries, including South Africa, Mozambique, and Angola.

 

Pipe smoking, a huge shift in cannabis consumption, originated in Africa around this time. Before this development, cannabis was often ingested orally in Asia, where the plant originated. “The History of Cannabis in Africa: True Tales of Oppression, Suppression and Exploitation” mentions that there were many different techniques to prepare the cannabis plant for smoking, but the most simple and popular method was to dry the flowers beforehand. 

 

The introduction of pipe smoking in Africa led to a significant shift in the cultural and historical landscape of cannabis usage, which we see all over today. Modern techniques of cannabis consumption, such as water pipes, hookahs, and bongs, all trace their origins back to the single invention of pipe smoking, showing the impact African history has on today’s cannabis culture. 

Arrival to the World Through African Slave Trade (1526 - 1867):

As the slave trade unfolded, cannabis was valued for its health effects, primarily as a stimulant and medicinal plant. A complex relationship with the plant began as slavers provided cannabis for slaves to smoke during forced marches to give them moments of relief in the painful, horrible journey. 

 

A commercial trade where slaves transported cannabis shipments to the coast was also established during this time. Cannabis seeds were sown into the clothing worn on slave ships and were spread upon their arrival to the Americas, allowing the plant to travel across continents. Chris Duvall’s “The African Roots of Marijuana” mentions that these slaves “carried Cannabis indica to more locations and for a longer period of time than any other group of migrants.”

 

In the 16th century, slaves from various countries including Angola, brought cannabis seeds to Brazilian sugar plantations. Slave owners encouraged slaves to tend to their own cannabis plants in order to combat periods of ‘laziness’ and to increase productivity while they weren’t actively being forced to work.

The Jazz Era and Prohibition (1910- 1939) :

“Why, When, and How Marijuana Became Illegal” mentions how marijuana was utilized for various reasons for centuries in the Americas, but it wasn’t until the Prohibition Era (1920-1933), when alcohol was banned, that its recreational use really took off. Southern state governments began to regulate the cannabis plant around this time, claiming that its use had an impact on crime rates and that by banning cannabis, it would cause immigrants who brought the plant with them to leave. By 1931, recreational cannabis had become illegal in most of the United States, however it was still growing and thriving in the Jazz landscape. 

The History Channel states that the 1910’s marked a golden age for African American culture– the Harlem Renaissance had begun and the American Dream was going strong. The Black community sought refuge in communal spaces where they could dance and hang out called juke joints. These places were a safe space for Black people to escape from their everyday racial struggles. This made it an ideal space to partake in drinking, dancing, and listening to their favorite Jazz musicians. Cannabis was utilized by many, many of these Jazz musicians who played in juke joints from 1920-1939 for its ability to help the creative process as they made music and to keep that flow going while they performed. The love for reefer (or cannabis) showed through the numerous songs that Jazz musicians dedicated to it. 


Black Jazz musician Louis Armstrong is among the top artists of all time in the genre, and he took the music scene by storm with his transformation of Jazz music, including his song “Muggles”, a slang term for marijuana. Cab Calloway, the first African American to sell one million records, joined the ranks with a few releases mentioning marijuana during the 1930s and 1940s, including “Reefer Man” and “The Man From Harlem”. Despite segregation going strong, these songs were playing in many households across the country. 

 

 Due to its links to African Americans, jazz became known as “The Devil’s Music” and deemed to be demonic and immoral, sparking fear in those who believed the propaganda. “Reefer Madness”, a movie that made its debut in 1936, was just one of the campaigns to prove that marijuana brought nothing but trouble. 

Reefer Madness Cover

The War on Drugs (1971 - 1995) :

Harry Anslinger, director of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, had done much work in the 1930s-1960s to link anti-cannabis rhetoric to an anti-Black mindset. He was quoted saying, “Satanic music, jazz and swing, results from marijuana use. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers, and others.” According to “Racism and Its Effect on Cannabis Research” by Robert Solomon, Anslinger’s work to introduce marijuana reform with the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act set the stage for the Marijuana Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Signed by President Richard Nixon in 1970, this act categorized drugs from Schedule 1 to 5 based on the danger they pose (marijuana falls as a schedule 1 substance) and is still in place today. 

In 1971, President Nixon declared the “War on Drugs” to combat drug abuse and increase government efforts to control it. According to PBS’ Marijuana Timeline, the initiative went into the background for a little while, until conservative groups lobbied for stricter policies and gained a lot of support from large organizations like the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This did much in changing the public opinion of cannabis to a negative one. President Ronald Regain strengthened the initiative in 1981, when he signed the Anti-Drug Abuse Act. 

PBS’ Marijuana Timeline goes on to mention that under the Anti-Drug Abuse Act, policy allowed for three infractions before life sentences were given. 100 marijuana plants was sentenced equal to 100 grams of heroin. Unfortunately, this led to a snowball effect as incarceration, especially of Black people, became much more emphasized than treatment due to governmental pushes and public fears of the crack epidemic rising. 

 

According to the 1996 Crime in the United States (CIUS) Report, from 1980-1995, there was an 80% increase in the total number of arrests for the possession or sale of marijuana. In 1995, the proportion of Black people in total drug arrests increased from 24% in 1980 to 39% in 1995. On the other hand, White arrests decreased from 75% in 1980 to 60% in 1995. The distribution of other racial groups stayed relatively the same during this period.

The Present (2000 - Present) :

California became the first state to legalize recreational cannabis use for adults 21 and over in 2016. In the years since then, we’ve seen several states reform their cannabis policies, with Ohio becoming the most recent state to legalize recreational marijuana in 2023. As marijuana possession and use becomes legal across the United States, we reach a new climate as the public opinion on marijuana steadily changes. 

Screenshot 2024-02-21 at 12.05.44 PM

According to The Pew Research Center, 85% of Black Americans now say at least the medical use of marijuana should be legal. Outrage ensued as Black track star Sha’Carri Richardson was unable to compete in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after THC led to a failed drug test. The growing support for her and other users of cannabis can be attributed to several factors such as the widespread popularity of Hip Hop culture and its ties to marijuana, increased research and understanding of the plant, and the success of states adopting new legalization policies.

California became the first state to legalize recreational cannabis use for adults 21 and over in 2016. In the years since then, we’ve seen several states reform their cannabis policies, with Ohio becoming the most recent state to legalize recreational marijuana in 2023. As marijuana possession and use becomes legal across the United States, we reach a new climate as the public opinion on marijuana steadily changes. 

 

According to The Pew Research Center, 85% of Black Americans now say at least the medical use of marijuana should be legal. Outrage ensued as Black track star Sha’Carri Richardson was unable to compete in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after THC led to a failed drug test. The growing support for her and other users of cannabis can be attributed to several factors such as the widespread popularity of Hip Hop culture and its ties to marijuana, increased research and understanding of the plant, and the success of states adopting new legalization policies.

 

Mental health conversations have opened up and safe spaces are now ways to facilitate mental and physical self-care, many of which utilize cannabis to maintain this. A 2020 Statista survey showed that 27% of Black Americans aged 18-25 mentioned that they had used marijuana in the last month. The social aspect of cannabis remains strong as the shift from juke joints to Black nightclubs and bars gives a way to escape pressures of daily life and build community.

 

With that said, we still have much to do. The American Civil Liberties Union mentions that from 2001-2010, over 8.2 million people were arrested for simple marijuana possession. Of this number, Black people were around 4 times more likely to be arrested. Fortunately, programs like Last Prisoner Project, a nonprofit dedicated to reforming the criminal justice system and supporting those affected, are becoming more commonplace and pardons are being issued. With this information, we look toward a brighter future and are excited to see society form a healthy relationship with the plant that weaves a connection through Black history. 

 

To learn more about the Last Prisoner Project, click here!

Small Business Saturday: Celebrating Local Gems

Small Business Saturday is a day to celebrate the small businesses that provide so much for our communies and contribute to the economy. As the year comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on all of the fantasc small businesses who we’ve been fortunate to find and highlight. On this day, we encourage you to shop small and explore your city’s local gems!

  • KafeLA: This family-owned-and-operated restaurant brings the California sunshine to Cleveland! Offering a cozy atmosphere filled with plants and amazing music, KafeLA gives patrons a reason to come back me and me again. Everyone can find something they love, be it breakfast, lunch or dinner during any me the doors are open.

  • Twist Cupcakery: At Twist Cupcakery, everyone can find a sweet they love at and ship their favorite flavors naonwide to a friend in a tasty cupcake jar. Located in Downtown Dayton, the cupcakery makes sure to use the best ingredients so that their treats are both amazing to look at and eat. Cupcake flavors rotate each day with other bakery staples such as wedding cakes, brownies, and chocolate pretzels .

  • The Shack: This convenience store has all you need! Located right in Athens, this one-stop shop offers a wide variety of quick and easy needs, from tasty snacks to flavorful drinks.

  • Bam & Bros Barbershop: Bam & Bros Barbershop: Bam & Bros Barbershop has a cozy atmosphere and great conversaon! You’ll love the results from the wide range of haircut services this barbershop offers.

  • Swim Printed: Swimprinted is a garment prinng business that serves its patrons with high-quality, custom prints. Dedicated to helping people of all budgets, Swimprinted’s print-on-demand services are perfect for anyone wanng to develop their brand.

  • DJ B-Funk: DJ B-Funk has been serving the Athens area for over 15 years with his unique and creave sets and seamless transions. Offering his services at a wide variety of events like weddings, fesvals, celebraons, and more, every party with DJ B Funk is one to remember!

  • Raw Yoga 614: This Yoga Studio is perfect for those who want to have a fun hobby or even become a cerfied yoga instructor. Classes are offered for all ages and are designed to meet the needs of parcipaters at all levels, creang a sense of community and self-improvement in each person. Private Yoga sessions are available one-to-one, for small groups, and even for corporate acvies.

Make it Rec! Don’t Wreck it? – Get out the vote

This November, you will have the power to effectively change the course of the medical marijuana industry forever. Issue 2 will officially make cannabis legal for recreational use, giving all Ohio citizens the opportunity to enter the marijuana industry equitably.

Issue 2 aims to create an equitable framework that allows all Ohio citizens to participate in the versioning marijuana industry. Unlike previous initiatives that were criticized for attempting to create a monopoly, Issue 2 seeks to level the playing field. This could mean more opportunities for small businesses and individual entrepreneurs, not just large corporations with significant capital.

What is Issue 2?

● The “Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Initiative”, also known as Issue 2, is the commercialization, regulation, and legalization of recreational marijuana for adults ages 21 and above in Ohio.

● The initiative proposes a comprehensive regulatory structure overseen by the Division of Cannabis Control. This body will be responsible for licensing operators and ensuring compliance with state laws. This centralized approach aims to streamline the process and maintain high standards across the industry.

The Journey of Recreational Marijuana in Ohio

● So far, 23 states have legalized recreational marijuana, making Ohio the 24th state if the initiative passes in November.

● In 2015, Ohio voters rejected the Marijuana Legalization Initiative, with a little more than half voting “no”. This initiative was not popular among Ohio voters, and was highly criticized for attempting to create a monopoly on marijuana, and lacked backing from pro-legalization groups.

● In 2016, we saw the legalization of medical marijuana when House Bill 523 was passed in the House of Representatives 71-25.

● In 2021, the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol (CRMLA) began its efforts to get the initiative on the ballot. The group spent four months gathering signatures to submit to the secretary of state.

● In 2022, several new states, like Maryland and Missouri, approved recreational marijuana through legislation like Issue 2.

● In 2023, The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol was given a 10-day cure period to get the 679 signatures they were short on. During this time, they received more than ten times that, raising the total of valid signatures to 127,772 and ensuring the initiative for the ballot.

What Does a Recreational Ohio Look Like for Consumers?

● The Division of Cannabis Control will be responsible for licensing marijuana operators and facilities and will oversee the compliance and standardization of marijuana businesses and production in Ohio. This ensures a standardized approach to compliance and quality across all marijuana businesses in Ohio.

● Allows the legal cultivation, processing, sale, purchase, possession, and home growth of marijuana.

● Adults 21 & older to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and up to 15 grams of marijuana concentrate. Additionally, adults will be permitted to cultivate up to six marijuana plants at home, with collective households being able to cultivate up to 12 plants. The cultivation must take place within a secured area that is not visible from public spaces and prevents access by individuals under 21. If two or more adults reside in a single residence, up to twelve cannabis plants can be cultivated.

● The creation of additional protection for those who partake in permitted adult use of cannabis by establishing the cannabis social equity and jobs program. Additionally, shielding confidential information that will identify any adult cannabis users and their application information from being disclosed as public record.

● The taxation of all recreational marijuana products at 10%, with all tax revenue going to the adult use tax fund and quarterly distributed into four other funds:

○ 36% to the cannabis social equity and jobs fund

○ 36% to the host community cannabis facilities fund

○ 25% to the substance abuse and addiction fund

○ 3% to the division of cannabis control and tax commission fund

● Passing Issue 2 could generate over $400 million in new tax revenue for the state of Ohio

● Employers are not required to accommodate an employee's use, possession, or distribution of adult-use cannabis. They can also establish drug-free workplace policies, which could affect consumers who are also employees.

● Adult-use cannabis cannot be used in certain public spaces like churches, public libraries, public playgrounds, public parks, or schools.

● The sum of Delta-9 THC and 87.7% of Delta-9 THCA present in the product or plant material will be considered as THC, which could have implications for the potency of products available to consumers.

● The controlled and regulated sales and use of adult-use cannabis aim to reduce illegal marijuana sales and provide a safer, regulated product. It also aims to limit the transportation of out-of-state cannabis into Ohio.

What Does Recreational Ohio Look Like for Licensed Marijuana Operators?

● The Division of Cannabis Control (The Division) operating within the Department of Commerce.

● The Division will regulate, investigate and penalize adult use cannabis operators, adult use testing operators, and individuals required to carry a license.

● Limit Criminal liability for certain financial institutions that provide financial services to adult use cannabis operators or testing laboratory licensed. Financial institutions can request detailed operator information, potentially easing the process for operators to secure loans or other financial services.

● If passed, all operations will switch to The Division over a 30 day period, but the industry as a whole may take longer.

What are the arguments?

● Supporting

○ U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce (R): "Modeled after the alcohol industry, which accounts for the unique needs, rights, and laws of each state, this proposal establishes a regulatory regime based on the specific desires of individual communities. The measure lets communities determine for themselves the best approach to cannabis within their own borders by keeping it out of communities that do not want it. It also allows employers to maintain policies prohibiting employee drug use and keeps cannabis out of the hands of anyone under the age of 21 without the consent of a medical professional."

○ Tom Haren, spokesperson for the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol: "We are proposing to regulate marijuana for adult use, just like we do for alcohol. Our proposal fixes a broken system while ensuring local control, keeping marijuana out of the hands of children, and benefiting everyone."

○ Tax Revenue: Supporters argue that legalizing marijuana for recreational use will generate substantial tax revenue for the state.

○ Law Enforcement: The legalization would reduce the burden on law enforcement agencies.

○ Social Equity: The initiative aims to address social equity concerns, providing opportunities for marginalized communities.

○ Consumer Choice: Some believe adults should have the right to make their own decisions about marijuana use, especially since it is considered less dangerous than cigarettes and alcohol.

● Opposing

○ Protect Ohio Workers and Families: "We know that recreational marijuana legalization is meant to make a few investors rich, not to make Ohio better. Legalizing recreational marijuana is today’s version of Big Tobacco - big corporations getting rich at the expense of our kids and society. That’s why people from all walks of life are coming together to vote 'NO' this November."

○ Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (R): "I do not, however, support legalizing marijuana for recreational use. I have seen the negative effects it has had in states that have legalized it and fear that it would also lead to increased use by underage kids and that small children could consume marijuana-laced foods that look like candy."

○ Public Health: Opponents are concerned about potential adverse effects on public health, including increased rates of addiction and impaired driving incidents.

○ Impact on Youth: There is concern about the impact of legalization on young people and the potential for marijuana to serve as a gateway drug to more dangerous substances. Even though the age to obtain marijuana is 21 and older.

○ Economic Concerns: Critics argue that the initiative is designed to make a few investors rich at the expense of society.

Conclusion:

In summary, if Ohio's proposed adult-use cannabis regulations are enacted, they will establish a comprehensive legal framework for the industry. The initiative, if passed, will go into effect 30 days after approval, allowing adults aged 21 and up to cultivate cannabis at home starting December 7th.

Businesses with existing medical cannabis licenses will have a competitive advantage, as they will be eligible for preferential adult-use licenses. However, the full transition to this new regulatory landscape may take up to a year, as the state will need time to hire staff and develop specific regulations. This phased approach is similar to what was observed in Arizona, where recreational cannabis became legal in November 2020, but the first state-licensed sales didn't occur until January 2021. Importantly, there will be no cap on the number of licenses that may be awarded, potentially increasing competition within the industry.

For patients currently enrolled in the medical marijuana program, the proposed regulations do not specifically address how medical and recreational programs will operate in parallel. However, it is worth noting that in states like Michigan, the number of medical marijuana cards decreased after the legalization of adult-use cannabis. In Ohio, if the initiative passes, all recreational cannabis purchases would be subject to a 10% tax, in addition to existing state and local sales taxes. This may incentivize medical cardholders to retain their cards, as they would be exempt from the adult-use tax.

The proposed regulations are comprehensive, covering everything from specific definitions to advertising guidelines and THC content limits. Financial institutions will have limited criminal liability when providing services to cannabis operators, which could facilitate business loans and other financial services for dispensaries.

While there is some opposition to the initiative, most are against repealing it if passed. Any amendments would likely focus on additional protections for businesses and possible caps on THC content.

FAQ’s

● Household Growing: How does this work with roommates, multiple family homes, and properties with multiple structures? Adult use consumers can cultivate, grow, and possess not more than six cannabis plants at their primary residence. If two or more individuals who are at least 21 years old reside at a single residence, not more than twelve cannabis plants can be cultivated or grown. The cultivation must take place within a secured closet, room, greenhouse, or other enclosed area on the grounds of the residence that prevents access by individuals less than 21 years of age and is not visible from a public space.

● What is the process for home growers to become licensed? The document does not provide details on a separate licensing process for individuals who wish to grow cannabis at home for personal use.

● Adults 21+ being able to sell: What does this mean for non-operators? Adults are allowed to transfer up to six cannabis plants to another adult use consumer as long as the transfer is without remuneration (they can’t receive funds) and not advertised or promoted to the public.

● Will licensed brands (like Harvest) be allowed full advertisement and marketing freedom? This is still the regulation Division of Cannabis Control may adopt rules regulating advertisements of license holders to prevent advertisements that are false, misleading, targeted to minors, promote excessive use, or that promote illegal activity. However, these rules shall not overly burden the legitimate commercial speech of adult use cannabis operators in communicating with adult use consumers. The Division may also adopt time and place restrictions to prevent advertising targeted to minors. The Division can conduct audits of a license holder's published advertisements to ensure compliance and may require a license holder to stop using an advertisement if it violates the rules.

Black Business Month – Athens Black Business

The Shack: This convenience store has all you need! Located right in Athens, this one-stop shop offers a wide variety of quick and easy needs, from tasty snacks to flavorful drinks.

● Address: 20 S Court St, Athens, OH 45701

● Website: https://www.facebook.com/mikesdogshack/

Swim Printed: Swimprinted is a garment printing business that serves its patrons with high-quality, custom prints. Dedicated to helping people of all budgets, Swimprinted’s print-on-demand services are perfect for anyone wanting to develop their brand.

● Website: https://swimprinted.com/

DJ B-Funk: DJ B-Funk has been serving the Athens area for over 15 years with his unique and creative sets and seamless transitions. Offering his services at a wide variety of events like weddings, festivals, celebrations, and more, every party with DJ B Funk is one to remember!

● Website: http://djb-funk.weebly.com/contact.html

Bam & Bros Barbershop: Bam & Bros Barbershop has a cozy atmosphere and great conversation! You’ll love the results from the wide range of haircut services this barbershop offers.

● Address: 20 South Court Street, Athens, OH 45701

● Website: https://www.facebook.com/mikesdogshack/

Black Business Month – KafeLA

Kafela (pronounced Café-El-A) is a family-owned-and-operated business that brings the California sunshine to Cleveland. Owner Kayla Dial opened the restaurant in 2020 during the pandemic and has since grown the business and its audience exponentially.

Located on St. Clair Avenue, the restaurant's cozy atmosphere is filled with plants, hand painted decor, and amazing music, which gives patrons a reason to return time and time again. Kafela’s staff is incredibly friendly and makes sure that your experience is fantastic and unlike any other. Everyone will find something they love here, whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner, all of which are available all day, 7 days a week!

Kafela’s menu is extensive, featuring many of your favorite pleasures such as coffee, smoothies, ice cream, and delectable savory dishes. It is also a must-try for anyone looking for healthy options, as many menu items can be switched out for vegan and vegetarian substitutes.

We had a fantastic time during our visit. Of Kafela's several beverage options, we tried the amazing L.A. Island and Sunday Morning smoothies, which were filled with fresh fruit including pineapples, strawberries, mangos, and more. The L.A. Island smoothie paired perfectly with the Boulevard Buffalo Wrap, a particular favorite that was finished in a few bites. Each menu item was bursting with yummy, fresh flavor that kept you coming back for more.

You won't regret stopping into Kafela. When you go, tell their wonderful staff how you liked your visit, and don't forget to tell them Mavuno sent you!

Location: 6710 St Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103

Black Business Month – Raw Yoga 614

Raw Yoga 614 is a black-owned and operated yoga studio in Columbus that’s perfect for those who want to have a fun hobby or even become certified yoga instructors. Co-Owned by husband and wife, Derrick and Yaizmen, the studio offers classes for all ages that are designed to meet the needs of participants at all levels. These classes are broken down into three session types: Power Yoga, Slow Yoga, and Restoring Flow Yoga. Private Yoga sessions are available one-on-one, for small groups, and even for corporate activities.

Our Brand Ambassadors met with co-owner Yaizmen for a tour and an outstanding yoga session. When they arrived in Suite 157, they were greeted with great music, gorgeous decor, and a warm atmosphere. It effortlessly shows how the studio fosters a sense of community and self-improvement in each individual.

When you visit Raw Yoga 614, be sure to tell them Mavuno sent you!

Location: 25 S St Clair St, Dayton, OH 45402

Black Business Month – Twist Cupcakery

At Twist Cupcakery, everyone can find a sweet they love and ship their favorite flavors nationwide to a friend in a tasty cupcake jar. Located in Downtown Dayton, the cupcakery makes sure to use the best ingredients so that their treats are both amazing to look at and eat. Cupcake flavors rotate each day with other bakery staples such as wedding cakes, brownies, and chocolate pretzels .

Location: 25 S St Clair St, Dayton, OH 45402