US (OH): Cincinnati moves forward on MMJ cultivation

Cincinnati took a step toward embracing the medical marijuana industry Friday, breaking with several Ohio communities that have already voted to ban its cultivation and sale.

The move could pave the way for businesses like Nature's Apex, owned by Rhinegeist co-founders Bob Bonder and Bryant Goulding, to bloom in Camp Washington. Nature's Apex hopes to apply for a license to cultivate and process medical marijuana in the Cincinnati area.

Nature’s Apex would partner with the Colorado-based MJardin to bring experienced managers with first-hand experience to train local employees, Bonder said by email. He said they anticipate creating at least 200 jobs throughout their supply chain.

Elsewhere in Southwest Ohio, Wilmington Mayor John Stanforth has similarly supported CannAscend's plan to cultivate and process medical marijuana.

"Any time you can bring new jobs, pay taxes and it's legal, I'm happy," Stanforth said.

CannAscend anticipates employing between 250 and 300 people in the Wilmington area if its license application is approved, said Cincinnati financier Jimmy Gould.

Read more at cincinnati.com