CINCINNATI (WKRC) – The fight to prevent new cannabis rules from taking effect came to an end last week, and the changes are already being felt at dispensaries across the region.

THC drinks have disappeared from most shelves, and one local dispensary says the new rules are reshaping where customers buy cannabis products.

The fight to prevent new cannabis rules from taking effect came to an end last week, and the changes are already being felt at dispensaries across the region. (WKRC, file)

Caveh Azadeh, co-founder of King City Gardens, said he views the ban on most intoxicating hemp as a move that closes a loophole for untested products and brings hemp into the licensed market—dispensaries.

“It really closes that loop and gives the regulated market an opportunity to be able to sell cannabis the way it should be, where it’s tested and the consumer knows exactly what they’re getting, rather than with the unregulated side of business,” Azadeh said.

While activists criticized the hemp crackdown, they also warned the law would erode personal freedoms related to marijuana. Under the new rules, Ohioans can no longer transport weed paraphernalia, possess weed in anything but the original package, or consume weed in public.

Azadeh said he believes some of the restrictions will ease over time.

“Look, there are definitely some things in that bill where it does restrict people, but I do think over time, as cannabis becomes more mainstream, some of those regulations will eventually start loosening up,” Azadeh said.

At King City Gardens’ Camp Washington dispensary, Azadeh said business changed overnight, including a 23% increase in customers. He attributed the uptick to shoppers who previously bought hemp-derived products at gas stations and vape shops.

“Now that those stores are shut down, they’re coming to the regulated stores like us, and I think that’s a great thing for not just book businesses that are doing things the right way, but also for consumers and the safety of the product,” Azadeh said.

Azadeh said he is not celebrating too much about the increase because the dispensary has also seen a decrease in customers from Kentucky. He said rules around transporting products over state lines have apparently scared some customers off, and that if he wants them back in the future, he will have to meet them where they are.

Meanwhile, local breweries are campaigning for a legislative override of Gov. Mike DeWine’s THC drink veto and are calling on Ohioans to contact their state lawmakers.