'Can You Take Me Higher?' Ad & Ice Cream Trucks Cost Ohio Cannabis Shops Thousands In Fines

As Ohio’s adult-use marijuana market takes off, some dispensaries are finding out the hard way that not all advertising can fly as high as their sales. Six cannabis shops were hit with hefty fines for marketing missteps during the August 6 launch of recreational sales. Turns out, quoting Creed's "Can you take me higher?" might've been a crowd-pleaser, but not with regulators.

The Source's Hefty Fine For Multiple Violations

The infractions range from the use of unapproved terms like “recreational marijuana” to more conspicuous violations such as external displays of cannabis paraphernalia. Among the penalized, The Source, a dispensary in South Euclid, faced the heaviest sanction—a staggering $225,000 fine. The Ohio Division of Cannabis Control (DCC) cited multiple infractions, reported NBC4, including an unauthorized outdoor ribbon-cutting ceremony and visible marijuana accessories. These violations compelled the shop to agree to a payment plan concluding within a year.

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Ice Cream Truck Promotion Costs The Botanist

Not far behind in penalties, The Botanist, a chain operating in cities like Akron and Cleveland, accrued $162,500 in fines. Initially fined for using the Creed-inspired phrase “Can you take me higher?” on their website, they later faced additional fines for unapproved food and beverage promotions linked to an ice cream truck event at their locations.

Read Also: $1B In 26 Days: This Marijuana Company Is Capitalizing On Ohio’s Cannabis Surge

RISE Corrects Advertising Mistake But Still Fined

RISE Dispensaries, owned by the multi-state operator Green Thumb Industries Inc. GTBIF, corrected a miscommunication about the commencement of recreational sales through a swift follow-up email. Despite this proactive approach, the dispensary was fined $5,000 for the initial misstep and an additional $12,500 to cover investigative costs, exemplifying the DCC’s strict enforcement stance.

Unapproved Dual-Use Ads Result In More Fines

Meanwhile, Guaranteed Dispensary, under Guaranteed Investments, and Standard Farms, a medical marijuana processor, each received fines for prematurely advertising dual-use operations without prior approval.

As Ohio's adult-use market continues to grow, retailers are learning that using creativity to rise above the competition, while not following regulatory rules, can lead to serious financial repercussions.

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