Cleveland, OH
Hemp-derived THC drinks return to Ohio businesses after judge blocks new law
CLEVELAND — Hemp-derived THC products are back at companies in Ohio after a federal judge temporarily blocked enforcement of Ohio’s new hemp licensing law.
“It’s been a long, hard-fought battle,” said Saucy Brew Works, Saucy Seltzer and Saucy Vibes CEO and co-founder Brent Zimmerman.
Starting at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Zimmerman said hemp-derived THC drinks will be back at Saucy Brew Works in Cleveland’s Ohio City.
“We bring jobs back here, people’s choice back here. It was the fastest-growing product I’d ever seen in beverage since we’ve been open, so it’s pretty exciting,” said Zimmerman.
Back in March, News 5 told you Ohioans for Cannabis Choice didn’t collect enough signatures to repeal Republican-created marijuana restrictions and a total ban on intoxicating hemp products.
Effort to repeal marijuana restrictions, THC ban fails to make Ohio ballot
Effort to repeal marijuana restrictions, THC ban fails to make Ohio ballot
As a result, Senate Bill 56 went into effect across Ohio and hurt Zimmerman and dozens of business owners.
“Good-paying jobs all left, taxes all left, consumer choice all left,” said Zimmerman.
News 5 asked Zimmerman how his customers reacted to the adjustment.
“Some of them were very upset. Some of them didn’t think it was real,” said Zimmerman.
Even with these challenges, Zimmerman said his company and nine others refused to give up, so they filed a lawsuit against 96 county and municipal prosecutors’ offices.
Then on Monday, Zimmerman texted News 5’s Remi Murrey after a federal judge found Senate Bill 56 likely violates the Constitution because it requires products to be sourced, made and distributed only in Ohio, which blocks out-of-state sellers.
“There are 10 companies that were named as plaintiffs in this suit, so right now, those 10 are the only companies that can sell in the state,” said Zimmerman.
That means businesses like Verbena Free Spirited in Cleveland will have to wait unless she buys from one of 10 companies that sued the state.
According to Zimmerman, those 10 companies can make THC products and sell them to retailers.
“I’m a much smaller retail seller of THC beverages, but because I’m smaller, it impacted me really hard, and it’s something I would love to be able to start doing again,” said Cheraso.
Despite the judge’s ruling, Ohio lawmakers have argued that hemp products are unregulated and have no age requirement to buy.
“The products that are the edibles, primarily the stuff that’s unregulated, we don’t know where it came from. It’s also actually targeting children,” said Senate President Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) in February.
As the court reviews the case, the temporary restraining order will last for 14 days unless it is extended.
“We’ve been working with our representatives at the state and House of Representatives, and we’ve got a good rapport with them. We hope we get further along with them as well,” said Zimmerman.
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BROOKLYN HEIGHTS, Ohio — A heavy law enforcement presence was in Brooklyn Heights on Monday for what authorities are calling a federal investigation.
The Department of Homeland Security said the Federal Protective Service was conducting a sweep of a lobby inside the Brooklyn Heights ICE office in the 900 block of Keynote Circle when a K-9 alerted to a “suspicious package” in a UPS drop box.
FPS contacted local law enforcement and initiated a full evacuation of the building, which Brooklyn Heights Mayor Mike Procuk told News 5 is home to several offices, including the Department of Homeland Security, the National Weather Service and the Visiting Nurse Association.
“I was on the phone walking down the street, and they got me and pulled me over this way, got me away from the blast zone,” said Mike Gallagher, who was on his way to interview candidates for apprenticeships just before noon.
An office building across the street was also evacuated.
“We got a knock on the door. Everyone has to evacuate,” said Cru Leavitt, who owns EcoShield Pest Solutions. “Not much was said, just get out of the building.”
DHS said the situation has been resolved, and an all-clear was given to reoccupy the building.
“It’s scary; it’s a little eerie feeling,” said Leavitt.
A DHS spokesperson has not responded to questions about whether an explosive device was found or whether any crime was committed.
“It’s a scary world we live in, and this is a little close to home,” said Gallagher.
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The Cleveland Monsters are excited to continue to Grow the Game across Northeast Ohio with the return of several summer youth hockey programs and an expanded Mini Monsters Learn to Play program presented by University Hospitals in the Fall. Kids of all skill levels can join in the offseason fun through the Summer Street Hockey Series presented by Clean Express Car Wash, Girls Grow the Game Street Hockey Clinic presented by First Federal Lakewood and Monsters On-Ice Clinic.
The Monsters and Ohio Hockey Project’s Mini Monsters Learn to Play program presented by University Hospitals also continues to grow with three locations beginning in the Fall of 2026. Mini Monsters will hold sessions for kids ages three to 13 at Winterhurst Ice Arena, Cleveland Heights Recreation Center and the newly added John M. Coyne Recreation Center running twice a week from September to December.
In addition to the Summer and Fall programming, the Monsters will also host the annual Kivi Day goalie clinic and front office day of service in August in honor of Matiss Kivlenieks’ birthday to pay tribute to the late goaltender while also giving back to the local community.
Summer Street Hockey Series presented by Clean Express Car Wash:
The Summer Street Hockey Series will be open to all children ages five to 12 regardless of their hockey experience. Participants can enroll with just a $5 donation to the Monsters Community Foundation and will receive USA Hockey-certified instruction in the fundamentals of stick-handling, shooting and passing. Participants will also receive a Monsters t-shirt and a complimentary ticket to a 2026-27 Monsters home opener. In addition to the Summer Street Hockey Series, the Monsters will host a special all-girls clinic to continue expanding the team’s Girls Grow the Game platform presented by First Federal Lakewood.
Each street hockey clinic has limited spots available. Players joining the clinics must wear closed-toed shoes and use the equipment provided by the Monsters. Parents can register their child starting today at clevelandmonsters.com/growthegame with time slots filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
2026 Monsters Summer Street Hockey Series (Boys and Girls)
Date
Time Location
Address
Saturday, July 25
11:00 a.m. to noon
John M. Coyne Recreation Center 7600 Memphis Ave, Brooklyn, OH 44144
Saturday, August 1
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Center Ice Sports Complex
8319 Port Jackson Ave NW, North Canton, OH 44720
2026 All Girls Street Hockey Clinic
Date
Time
Location
Address Saturday, July 11
11:00 a.m. to noon
Halloran Park
3550 W. 117th St, Cleveland, OH 44111
Monsters On-Ice Clinic:
The Monsters annual On-Ice Clinic returns on Monday, July 27, through Thursday, July 30, with all sessions taking place at the Monsters’ official practice facility at Brunswick Auto Mart Arena. Participants will receive on-ice instruction from Stanley Cup Champion and Cleveland Hockey Legend Jock Callander, as well as goaltending classes from Monsters Goaltending Coach Brad Thiessen. All skaters will receive an exclusive Monsters On-Ice Clinic jersey, specialty hat and four tickets to the 2026-27 home opener.
Players of all skill levels are encouraged to attend; however, graduation from a Learn to Play Program, as well as registration with a youth hockey association for the 2026-27 season is recommended. Full equipment is required for all skaters, including helmets with full cages, skates, gloves, shin guards, hockey pants, elbow pads, shoulder pads, and hockey sticks. Parents can register their child ages 5-12 for on-ice clinics HERE with time slots filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Mini Monsters presented by University Hospitals:
The Monsters and Ohio Hockey Project are excited to announce an expanded Mini Monsters Learn to Play program presented by University Hospitals offered in three locations beginning in the Fall of 2026. Mini Monsters will hold sessions for kids ages three to 14 at Winterhurst Ice Arena, Cleveland Heights Recreation Center and the newly added John M. Coyne Recreation Center running twice a week from September to December.
The Mini Monsters Learn to Play program is designed to provide a simplified introductory hockey development pathway for boys and girls who are eager to learn the fundamentals of hockey in a fun and supportive environment. In partnership with Ohio Hockey Project, who will provide coaching and program development, the Mini Monsters introduces young athletes to the exciting world of hockey, focusing on basic skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
The three-month Mini Monsters program will include weekly instruction for all participants and rental of head-to-toe equipment including stick, helmet with cage, shoulder pads, elbow pads, hockey pants, shin guards, socks, neck guard, and hockey skates. The program registration fee is $300 and participants will also receive their own Mini Monsters hockey jersey.
2026 Fall-Winter Mini Monsters Programs
Location
Time Age Group
Winterhurst Ice Arena
Thursday, 5:40 p.m. to 6:25 p.m. 3-8 years old
Winterhurst Ice Arena
Thursday, 6:25 p.m. to 7:10 p.m. 9-14 years old
Cleveland Heights Recreation Center
Tuesdays, 5:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. 3-8 years old
Cleveland Heights Recreation Center
Tuesdays, 5:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 9-14 years old
John M. Coyne Recreation Center
Fridays, 6:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 3-8 years old
Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Saturdays, 11:15 a.m. to noon
Saturdays, 12:45 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Saturdays, 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
Sundays, 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Participants must be proficient in skating and have participated in a learn to skate program prior to enrolling in the Mini Monsters program. To register a child for the Fall-Winter Session of the Mini Monsters Learn to Play Program at either location click here.
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