The room was packed this past Thursday as professionals in Ohio’s nascent legal cannabis industry turned out for September Meetup of the Cleveland Chapter of the Marijuana Business Association (MJBA).  The networking and informational event, hosted by attorney Steve Baden and held at the law firm Meyers Roman, Friedberg & Lewis, brought together a diverse crowd of CBD business owners, attorneys, a cannabis insurance company, a cannabis staffing agency, doctors and nurses,  several of my fellow staffers from Cleveland School of Cannabis, and a few others just looking to get involved in the industry and become more informed.

Nick Ciofani, Deputy Chief of Staff from Congressman David Joyce‘s office, started things off with an update from the 14th District of Ohio.  An informative brief was then given by Theresa Daniello from TDCANN Institute on the status of her meeting with the State.

Arleen Crider, Nurse Herbalist, educator and clinical informatics specialist discussed the endocannabinoid system and the importance of educating medical professionals on plant-based medicine.  The meeting was wrapped up by special guest Jeremy Miller, organizer of Viva Las Hempfest, the licensed Hemp festival scheduled for early November, who shared his journey in the cannabis industry. 

With Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Program becoming operational, the attendees were heard discussing the benefits and importance of having a forum for participants in the legal cannabis industry to come together and share news and community.  The MJBA meeting provided all of those who attended with powerful information, and invaluable networking.  Having an organization like the MJBA is instrumental for Ohio’s Professional Cannabis Community to keep abreast of not only our State’s progress, but other States’ growth and progression as well.