Columbus Local Pulse: Hemp Ban Takes Effect, OSU Names New President, Spring Weather Ahead

Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Thursday, March 19. We start with breaking news from City Hall and the Statehouse that hits close to home. Opponents of Ohios new weed law and hemp ban fell short on signatures for a referendum, so Senate Bill 56 kicks in today, banning intoxicating hemp products like those THC drinks you see at spots like Savor Growl on High Street. It also caps THC in marijuana extracts at 70 percent and flower at 35 percent, with stricter rules on public use and drivingthink trunk storage only. Local businesses near Short North could feel the pinch, with some jobs at risk and sales that topped 800 million statewide last year now facing changes that affect our daily choices. In other developments, Ohio State just named its provost as the new president after the last ones abrupt exit, keeping Buckeye leadership steady as we head into spring. Nonresidential contractors, take noteour states new E-Verify law starts today, requiring eligibility checks for workers on projects like bridges around I-270, with fines up to 25 thousand dollars for slip-ups. Weather wise, those wild 70 mile per hour gusts from yesterdays storm at OSU airport left some tree limbs down on Lane Avenue, but skies clear up today with highs near 55 and light windsperfect for outdoor walks in Goodale Park. Expect partly cloudy evenings, no major impacts on events. New business buzz includes Fifty West Brewing suing over the hemp ban, fighting for their infused drinks. Jobs market stays firm, with construction roles up around 5 percent amid these verification rules. Sports quick hitOhio States hoops wrapped a strong high school season, and were eyeing community events like the Great Ohio Climate March registration open till mid-April at Scioto Mile. Crime report from the past day stays lowkeyno major incidents, just a routine arrest near German Village for minor theft, keeping our streets safe. Feel-good storya local group rebuilt a playground at Franklin Park after the storm, neighbors pitching in for kids playtime. Upcoming, catch live music nods to thrash band Exodus new album drop tomorrow at a bar on Front Street. Thanks for tuning in, listenerssubscribe for more. This has been Columbus Local Pulse. Well see you tomorrow with more local updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. For more http://www.quietplease.ai Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.