The 2025 Ohio Cannabis Health & Business Summit once again brought the energy to Cleveland, proving that Ohio is no longer just joining the national conversation on cannabis, but a steady player in the game.
Held October 3-4 at the Cleveland I-X Center, this year’s two-day trade show drew its biggest crowd yet, with more than 6,000 investors, industry experts, cultivators, business owners, patients, and consumers coming together under one roof.
Ohio’s Cannabis Market Surpasses $700 Million as Adult-Use Sales Expand
As Ohio continues to carve out its place on the national stage, OCHBS remains the go-to event for anyone interested in shaping the future of cannabis in the Midwest.
Fourteen months after the launch of adult-use cannabis sales, Ohio’s market has steadily expanded, surpassing $700 million in recreational sales and generating more than $62 million in state tax revenue, according to the Division of Cannabis Control.
Additionally, pre-roll sales were recently legalized in the Buckeye State, and they’ve already sparked a surge in sales. According to cannabis data provider Headset, “While flower remains the dominant category in Ohio, Pre-Rolls have emerged as the most dynamic segment. In September 2025, Pre-Roll sales soared to $1.78 million, a staggering 708.5% month-over-month growth.”
Cannabis Education in Action: 70+ Speakers Share Insights at OCHBS
Now in its fifth year, OCHBS once again united every corner of the cannabis community. The show floor buzzed with over 130 exhibitors showcasing innovative products and technology that reflect just how far the industry has come.
Founder and CEO Lenny Berry curated a strong lineup of programming that blended business insights, policy updates, and consumer education.
Across two days, workshops and panels featured more than 70 speakers such as Kristi Palmer of Kiva Confections, Steve Ernest of Chicago Atlantic, Jared Maloof of Standard Wellness, and Jeane Holley of Wholehearted Connections. These experts from across the country shared their expertise on topics ranging from branding and compliance to cultivation innovation, investment strategies, and advocacy for equitable growth.
The packed lineup of sessions gave both industry professionals and consumers a chance to dive in, ask questions, and engage directly with experts.
Workshops and Panels Explore the Future of Cannabis, Hemp Beverages, and Psychedelics
This year’s session line-up gave attendees a projection of where the cannabis industry is headed and how to stay ahead of the curve. The 2025 Industry Update and Ohio Market Spotlight (featuring speakers Laurie Parfitt of LKP Impact Consulting, Rick Bashoff of Lit Alerts, and Steph Woods of Headset) broke down the latest data and trends driving growth.
The schedule also featured returning favorites such as The Challenges and Opportunities for Today’s Hemp Beverages (featuring speakers Jim Ickes of Frantz Ward, Mike Hennesy of Wana Brands, Aaron Lanctot of Yield Distribution, Diana Eberlein of Vertosa, and Steve Annis of STIIIZY). This session shone a light on one of the fastest-growing categories in the space and what it takes to scale responsibly in an evolving regulatory landscape.
The line-up also featured new workshops and panels reflecting growing industry trends such as Opportunities and Challenges in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy, along with From Seed to Treasury: Integrating Bitcoin into Cannabis Balance Sheet Strategy.
OCHBS 2025 Afterparty Lights Up the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Day 1 ended on a high note at the sold-out afterparty hosted by OCHBS and The Green Tie Affair. Once again held at the iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in downtown Cleveland, a line wrapped around the building before doors even opened.
Inside, the museum was transformed into a lively backdrop of lights, music, and conversation. Attendees mingled among the rock memorabilia while DJs kept the crowd moving, food was shared, and new connections sparked on every level of the venue.
The event drew a mix of industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts from across the country and even celebrity guests RJ Mitte of the hit series Breaking Bad and WWE’s The Godfather made appearances, adding to the electric energy of the night.
OCHBS’ Next Stop: Columbus, Ohio, in 2026
Each year, OCHBS grows alongside the cannabis industry and continues to draw bigger crowds and stronger connections. Now that momentum is shifting to a new city. OCHBS 2026 will be held September 23–24 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, and it’s set to be the biggest and most ambitious year yet. The summit will once again bring together professionals from every corner of the industry to connect and celebrate the progress being made.
If you’re interested in sponsoring the summit or securing a booth on the show floor, reach out to Lenny Berry at lenny@ochbs.com as spaces are already filling fast.
