Located in the Norwood area of Cincinnati, Story Cannabis at 3950 Edwards Road opened last fall and prioritizes patients by encouraging and developing their unique stories with cannabis.
STORY CANNABIS FOUNDED IN ARIZONA
Story Cannabis in Cincinnati has been evolving its brand alongside Ohio’s evolving cannabis industry. They have big plans – included expanded parking and a new location – as Ohio looks ahead to its adult-use market opening up soon.
Founded in Phoenix, AZ in 2022, Story Cannabis is one of the fastest growing in the cannabis industry. Story Cannabis is vertically integrated in Arizona, operates dispensaries in Maryland, and earned three dispensary licenses in Ohio. In addition to Cincinnati, they also have a store in Coshocton.
STORY CINCINNATI: GETTING THERE AND PARKING
When visiting their current location, you may be surprised to see not one, but two dispensaries next to one another (3944 and 3950 Edwards Rd). Due to the nature of Ohio’s dispensary lottery, they were required to open the second spot before they could request a move, explained the Story team. Operators plan to eventually move the second dispensary (3944) to another location further north, just outside of the Cincinnati city limits.
Most customers, the dispensary says, live locally in the neighborhoods of Hyde Park, Oakley and Norwood. The store sits on the opposite corner from Rookwood Commons & Pavilion with dozens of must-visit restaurants and shops. Being right there in the thick of things makes Story a great pitstop while running errands.
Accessibility is a top priority for Story. The dispensary is wheelchair accessible and the website ADA compliant. Menu viewing options are currently expanding to provide a more inclusive environment at all touchpoints.
The parking lot at Story, which will be expanding in the future, can fill up quickly as the dispensary is located on a busy street just off a major highway. The lot is off-street, designated by a large sign as you’re heading south on Edwards Rd. toward the intersection at Smith Rd. On-street parking and public parking lots are also plentiful nearby. Customers are encouraged to stop in while they explore the area, which has great walkability.
THE INSIDE EXPERIENCE AT STORY CINCINNATI
When it comes to their own brand story, the knowledgeable budtenders–all of whom are patients themselves–are integral. General Manager Brandon Jordan attributes their continued success to their staff, who he says pass on their passion for beloved brands and products to the patients they serve.
He says, “it’s all about matching energy,” which for his team means creating space for those who need extra assistance, and offering a smooth checkout to those on-the-go. Another key factor for his team is providing not just customer service, but hospitality. This, he adds, creates genuine connections that keep patients coming back.
On the shelves, you’ll find brand favorites like BeneLeaves, Galenas, Klutch and Ancient Roots. AYR brands (Kynd) and Pacific Gold will also be shoppable at Story in the near future. When it comes to new options, both budtender and patient feedback are key. Their curated variety aims to offer innovative products as much as the tried and tested.
STORY CINCY PREPARING FOR ADULT-USE SALES
While a lot remains uncertain for Ohio’s recreational market, dispensaries like Story are gearing up to adjust their operations. As the medical market flips to adult-use, Story’s leaders feel confident their experience in other states will help make the process go smoothly here.
Brandon was in Michigan when their medical market flipped to adult-use, and took a lot away from that experience. “The biggest thing is staying on top of the inventory and making sure that everything is out there on the floor and synced up right on the website,” he said.
Even as they prepare for an influx of customers and new products, medical patients will still take top priority, says Brandon. Story will offer MMJ patients an express lane to avoid saturated lines for adult-use. In Brandon’s experience, he says recreational shoppers tend to not pre-order, resulting in a more traditional retail experience. There will also be deeper discounts offered for MMJ patients.
PAYMENTS, REWARDS AND PROMOS AT STORY CINCINNATI
Currently, Story is a cash-only dispensary. There is an ATM on site, which they say has a lower fee than most cannabis shops. Patients are encouraged to sign up for their rewards program, which earns one point per $1 spent. At this time, the state does not allow these points to be redeemed on products. However, devices like batteries qualify for point redemption.
Story also offers promotional texts and emails customers can opt into. This way, patients will know the latest news about upcoming deals on their favorite brands.
DISCOUNTS: All month long, Story Cincinnati is offering 30% off everything in their store plus other great sales. Brandon says this is a perfect time for customers to stock up, especially with BOGO flower days on Mondays and vapes on Tuesdays.
Menus are available on I Heart Jane, Leafly, and Story’s website.
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