ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — In an unconventional move to rally opposition against a proposed ban on marijuana dispensaries, Western Ave Exotics, located in Chillicothe, is offering free “pre-rolls” to attendees of Monday evening’s city council meeting.
The Guardian previously reported that the Chillicothe City Council is poised to vote on an ordinance that would impose a moratorium on new marijuana dispensaries within the city limits. This action comes despite the 2023 statewide vote to legalize recreational marijuana, known as Issue 2, which passed overwhelmingly in Chillicothe.
The event, publicized on social media and open to anyone on or off of the platform, promises attendees a certificate for four free 1-gram pre-rolls along with a 50% discount on their next purchase. The certificates will be distributed at the council meeting itself, which is framed as a stand against what Western Ave Exotics calls an “override” of the public’s vote to legalize recreational marijuana, despite the store allegedly operating under CBD laws. There is a pending state bill in Columbus that would shutdown stores that operate under the 2018 Farm Bill hemp CBD laws, but it has yet to make it out of committee.
The store on Western Avenue, which claims to operate legally under the 2018 law, is not a licensed recreational or medical dispensary. Yet, its owner is leading the charge against the city’s proposed measure, arguing it infringes on the rights of Chillicothe residents who voted for legalization.
Interest in the event has been significant, with nearly 100 people having RSVP’d to attend the meeting and claim their free pre-rolls, indicating a passionate community response to the council’s contemplated action. The organizer said anyone else who wants to claim their four free pre-rolls can just show up to the event; registration beforehand is not required.
The city council meeting, where the vote is scheduled, will occur at the council chambers in the old Municipal Court building at 7 p.m. The event by Western Ave Exotics aims to not only provide free products but also to mobilize community opposition to the potential dispensary ban and shedding light on the protection of rights and the public’s voice in local legislation, organizers said.