In a cannabis industry often dominated by out-of-state conglomerates and massive multi-state operators (MSOs), a group of Ohio-born professionals is redefining what local ownership looks like—and they’re doing it with purpose. The team that powers Ascension Biomedical in Oberlin opens its first dispensary this week.
ROAM Dispensary will be the first locally-owned dispensary to open in Cuyahoga County since the passage of Issue 2 in November of 2023, but this newest cannabis retail space is not just another weed store. It’s the culmination of years of industry hustle, perseverance, and passion by a team of Ohioans who went from trim rooms and sales floors to betting on themselves and calling the shots. We talked with ROAM’s management team to learn what the new dispensary will add to the Ohio market.
From Processing Dreams to Cultivation Wins
Founder of Ascension Biomedical Fadi Boumitri explained that the journey to where they are now wasn’t exactly linear. “Initially, I was only applying for a dispensary with a pharmacist partner, but the universe had other ideas. We got connected with prominent processors and decided to apply for a processing license together. Last minute, we decided to apply for a cultivation license to feed that processing business—and we ended up winning the cultivation, not winning the processing, and never applying for the dispensary.”
Years later, the story has come full circle with the launch of ROAM Dispensary. “It’s a funny path, but here we are—finally opening our first dispensary. Hopefully not the last.”
The dispensary sits in a repurposed cigar shop that was once a local bank. “The same branch I did my first million-dollar wire transfer from as an attorney,” Boumitri shared, noting the serendipitous connection the space has brought to his life. Today, he’s happy to see it turned into a clean, inviting space meant to welcome everyone from curious newcomers to seasoned cannabis connoisseurs.
The Power of Ohio Talent
What makes ROAM different? It’s the people. Every partner is rooted in Ohio cannabis, having worked at companies like Firelands Scientific, PharmaCann, Curaleaf, and Ayr Wellness. Many started in entry-level roles—trimming, packaging, sales—and worked their way up through the ranks due to their talent and passion for the plant.
Names like Ben Ziebro (multiple MSOs), Melissa Merse (a veteran of PharmaCann), David Ruggiero (multiple MSOs), Michael Musil (Ayr), and David Barlow (multiple MSOs) bring unmatched Ohio-grown experience to the table.
“This team is different,” said Boumitri. “They’ve lived and breathed Ohio cannabis since the beginning of the medical program. They lived the MSO life as employees, but they wanted to build something more reflective of their individual passion for the plant.”
A Dispensary That Actually Feels Like It’s for the People
As the southern-most dispensary in Cuyahoga County, ROAM will be in Seven Hills but will serve a wide radius including southern Parma, North Royalton, Broadview Heights, Brecksville, and even northern Summit County—all areas currently underserved by the cannabis market.
The team designed ROAM to feel approachable, explained Merse. “We want the guests to feel welcome and heard first and foremost. The ROAM team is a mix of seasoned and new cannabis professionals. They’ve come together to provide the education and understanding of all the products in the market to give the guest a well-rounded visit.”
Merse noted that the dispensary lobby has a few areas to have a seat and ask for help. There’s also online ordering and the drive thru pickup window for those who desire a speedy transaction. “The team is eager to open and be a part of the community in many ways as we grow,” Merse said.
Ohio First—Always
Both Ascension and its Seeker brand will be available on ROAM’s shelves—Ascension being the original brand, and Seeker born from the unique genetics and vision of the new partner crew. The flower they produce focuses on medical-grade quality: No pesticides. No radiation. No remediation. Just clean cannabis, grown with care.
But Boumitri emphasized that ROAM won’t just focus on selling their own brands. The menu heavily features Ohio-owned and operated cultivators and processors.
“Some people focus only on their own products—we’re not doing that. We want to highlight the independent operators in Ohio,” said Boumitri. “We’ll still carry a variety of MSO partner products, but we want ROAM to be a place that gives Ohio operators a voice to the consumers.”
Built to Serve—and to Educate
Merse’s leadership in retail operations ensures a high standard of education and empathy for every guest, explained Boumitri.
“She literally helped a 93-year-old neighbor try cannabis for the first time and helped cure her inability to sleep. She came back and said ‘I can’t believe what I have been missing!’ Another neighbor hadn’t smoked in 20 years due to a lung condition. Melissa found him a flower high in terpenes that opened his airways—he and his wife were in tears,” said the founder. “This is what Melissa brings to the industry, and what ROAM will bring to the area, thanks to her leadership.”
Staff are trained to handle patient questions thoroughly—why choose a 4:1 gummy? What’s the best form of administration for sleep? What’s a good terpene for lung conditions? These are some of the questions that ROAM’s staff will be prepared to answer with confidence.
With dedicated medical patient lines, a drive-thru, and five registers for efficiency, ROAM is built to make access easy and respectful.
Discounts, Access, and Community
ROAM offers 30% discounts for veterans, indigent patients, and industry, as well as daily deals like “Seeker Saturdays.” Merse has built out a 90-day event and discount calendar featuring vendor pop-ups, education days, and more.
At launch, ROAM will accept cash or Spendr, while also working to find a reliable, compliant card payment option. With 50 parking spots and a high-visibility location next to a Meijer grocery store, accessibility is built into every layer.
Home delivery is also expected in the near future, and ROAM looks forward to bringing cannabis to area residents’ front doors as soon as it’s approved by the Division of Cannabis Control (DCC).
Support the Local Movement at ROAM
“This is a group of people who were employees at big companies and decided to bet on themselves,” said Boumitri. “They came together to build something real and unique in Ohio. It’s the cannabis company Ohio deserves, and we are hopeful people will hear our story, like our products, and support us.”
As Melissa put it: “For me, it’s always been about the staff and patients—I’m excited to still be a part of this program and watching others grow in it.”
Follow ROAM’s Journey
Stay connected on social media, watch for grand opening announcements, and support Ohio-grown cannabis by visiting ROAM in southern Cuyahoga County. Boumitri emphasizes that ROAM isn’t corporate cannabis—it is community cannabis.
“Support the movement,” urges Boumitri, “By choosing Seeker and Ascension products—and shopping at ROAM Dispensary in Cuyahoga County—you’re backing the crew that’s redefining what Ohio cannabis can be. These are more than just brands, they are a grassroots movement, and they are giving Ohio the cannabis company it deserves.”
ROAM will open on June 4 with a Grand Opening on June 14. Stop in to ROAM at 7781 Broadview Rd in Seven Hills or shop online at roamdispo.com.
Find Ascension and Seeker products around Ohio at cannabisseeker.com.
###
