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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
State, federal cannabis changes threaten Ohio festival's future
WAVERLY, Ohio (WCMH) — Several thousand marijuana enthusiasts will descend upon Waverly next month for the second annual Stargazer Cannabis Festival. It may also be the last. 'We're very sad about that fact, and it would be very ironic that this festival was conceived out of a celebration for legalization, and then ironically, the law will make it illegal,' festival organizer Chad Thompson said. Dispensary reacts to Ohio marijuana limit changes Thompson is concerned about changes to cannabis laws in consideration at the state and federal level that would minimize or eliminate the three-day cannabis festival. Ohio lawmakers have weighed multiple changes to Ohio's recreational marijuana laws, which passed in 2023 with 57% of the vote. Federally, a provision currently included in the 'Big Beautiful Bill' would prohibit most products that use hemp-derived THC. Under the new federal proposal, the U.S. would redefine which hemp products are legal. Hemp was redefined in President Donald Trump's first term to mean cannabis that has minimal THC levels, 0.3% or lower. People have used this definition to synthetically manufacture cannabis products that are both legal and intoxicating. The budget draft would ban those hemp products, making ingestible hemp federally illegal again. 'There is an effort to eliminate that segment of the hemp market, which would really give a big hit to hemp businesses and us, as a cannabis festival, also would be greatly impacted by that,' Thompson said. 'It would take a big portion of our vendors and make them illegal.' Black bear spotted in Licking County for the first time in over two decades Thompson said changes to cannabis law would significantly harm Ohio's emerging marijuana industry, which is on track to be a $2 billion market. Among higher taxes and a decreased legal maximum THC level, legislators have also considered a ban on ingesting cannabis in public spaces, which would largely prevent the festival from taking place. Thompson said if the state changes cannabis laws, Stargazer Festival will have to consider relocating to a 'friendlier state,' taking its business with it. The festival will nearly double the population of Waverly for the weekend, and Thompson said visitors are coming from 35 states. 'This festival this year will cost us close to $200,000 to organize and put on, and that's all revenue that is being filtered in the state down through porta potties, tent rentals, local performers,' Thompson said. More than 400,000 Ohioans see driver's license suspensions lifted Thompson said he does not want to move the festival, saying it would be a 'sad day' if they had to leave their home state. Stargazer began as a celebration for Ohio activists after voters successfully legalized recreational marijuana. As part of the celebratory mission, many festival events involve giveaways for festival attendees, including a $1,000 bonus for five randomly selected cannabis judges and a giveaway dream cannabis wedding officiated by Afroman. Thompson said as this July 25-27 may be the last festival, people should get their tickets ahead of time, as they will likely be sold out at the door. He said he and other advocates are prepared to rally and adjust, but hope the laws will stay favorable. 'Even after legalization, the fight is not done to ensure the best possible cannabis laws on the books for the greater good of the people currently and into the future,' Thompson said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Einstein Bros. Bagels Drops a New Country Hit and Sets Out to Top Charts with First Original Song
Introducing the Country Bagels & Gravy Egg Sandwich: A sandwich so good, they wrote a song about it. DENVER, Feb. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- From Bagels to Bangers! Einstein Bros.® Bagels is proud to announce the launch of their newest breakfast creation, the Country Bagels & Gravy Egg Sandwich, available now for a limited time at bakeries nationwide. With the egg sandwich debut, the brand drops its first-ever original, dare we say chart-topping, single and music video, "Forget the Fork." When breakfast is this good, it deserves its own anthem. Starring the new Country Bagels & Gravy Egg Sandwich, the country ballad showcases the struggle biscuits & gravy presents in our busy lifestyles and the hope that the new Country Bagels & Gravy Egg Sandwich brings. With the new sandwich, now breakfast fans can conveniently take the flavors of biscuits & gravy on the go. Move over NashvilleIt's a story for the ages: chefs make sandwich, everyone loves sandwich, brand hires comedy team to write ode to sandwich, complete with fully produced music video and plush human-sized bagel costume. Einstein Bros. spared no expense in making their dream of becoming country music's next big thing come true. The sandwich is just that good. "Forget the Fork" is available to stream on Spotify, along with curated playlists to set the Country Bagels & Gravy-eatin' mood. Full music video can be found on the brand's website. Watch out CMAs, Einstein Bros. has entered the chat. Behind the BreakfastAvailable in bakeries nationwide starting today, the Country Bagels & Gravy Egg Sandwich delivers all the comforting flavors of biscuits & gravy, on the go. No fork required! This Southern-inspired breakfast sandwich starts with a fresh-baked Country Sausage Gourmet Bagel, layered with fresh-cracked eggs, crispy bacon, savory pork sausage, melted cheddar cheese, and a shmear of Country Pepper Cream Cheese to give it gravy-like goodness. "We wanted to bring the nostalgic, comforting flavors of biscuits & gravy to a sandwich that our guests could enjoy anytime, anywhere," said Chad Thompson, Head of Culinary Innovation at Einstein Bros. Bagels. "We also wanted to elevate the classic dish, so we added eggs and bacon, and of course the new fresh-baked Country Sausage Gourmet Bagel that takes it to the next level." The Country Biscuit & Gravy Egg Sandwich will be available for a limited time at all Einstein Bros. Bagels locations nationwide. Guests can stop by their local bakery, order online, or use the Einstein Bros. Bagels app for easy pickup. The sandwich tastes best while enjoying the savory sounds of "Forget the Fork." Behind the MusicIt started as a simple idea: breakfast should be easy, portable, and preferably not require utensils - no mess, no stress. But that idea quickly spiraled into something much bigger—a country music masterpiece. One fateful morning, between bites of a sausage and gravy bagel, inspiration struck. "What if," one brave marketer dared to ask, "we wrote a song about this sandwich?" And so, with reckless ambition and an insatiable hunger, Einstein Bros. Bagels embarked on their most unexpected journey yet—into the world of country music. Enter comedy duo Avery Pearson and Jeremiah Watkins of Thousand Percent Productions. With a healthy mix of country twang, tongue-in-cheek humor, and an undeniable love for breakfast, they crafted "Forget the Fork," a song so catchy it could make a bagel blush. Backed by a high-production music video featuring a human-sized bagel suit, cowboy hats galore, and enough Southern charm to make any country superstar proud, Einstein Bros. set out to conquer not just breakfast, but the Billboard charts. Whether this is the beginning of a Grammy-winning career or a one-hit breakfast wonder remains to be seen. But one thing's for sure—the Country Bagels & Gravy Egg Sandwich has a song, and it's a certified bagel banger. Einstein Bros. Bagels invites fans to share their own "Country Bagel Moments" on social media using the hashtag #ForgetTheFork, with a chance to be featured in future content. For more information about Country Bagels & Gravy Egg Sandwich and to see the full line-up of egg sandwiches, visit Einstein Bros. Bagels or for the latest updates and promotions follow Einstein Bros. Bagels on social. Einstein Bros. Bagels locations here. Media Kit here. About Einstein Bros.® Bagels Einstein Bros.® Bagels is a neighborhood bakery known for endless combinations of fresh-baked bagels and premium double-whipped cream cheese. Also serving a variety of breakfast sandwiches, lunch sandwiches, coffee, espresso, sweets and catering, Einstein Bros. Bagels has more than 680 locations throughout the United States. Einstein Bros. Bagels is part of Panera Brands, one of the nation's largest fast-casual restaurant companies, comprised of Panera Bread®, Caribou Coffee® and Einstein Bros. Bagels. To learn more, visit About Thousand Percent Productions Thousand Percent is a Los Angeles-based production company founded by Avery Pearson and Jeremiah Watkins. Combining extensive experience in entertainment with a sharp comedic edge, the company specializes in creating commercials, specials, and original content. From ideation to execution, Thousand Percent is a one-stop shop for bringing bold, creative visions to life. Check out their impressive client roster and collaborators at for more details. Website: Instagram: @thousandpercentproductions MEDIA CONTACT Sara Schiffer + Madeleine Nasch Proof PR bagels@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Einstein Bros. Bagels Sign in to access your portfolio
