We are thrilled to unveil the inaugural Ohio Brand Power Rankings, powered exclusively by Lit Alerts Analytics and featured here in the OCHBS newsletter.
To determine which brands are truly capturing the hearts and wallets of Ohio consumers, a highly sophisticated weighted index was utilized. This model moves past basic volume tracking to integrate estimated unit sales and estimated dollar values to assess overall consumer demand. It further sharpens this data by factoring in shelf share, total distribution points, and the frequency of product discounts.
The baseline has been officially set. Let’s dive into how Ohio’s top cannabis brands performed for the month of May 2026.
As this is our debut ranking, all movement indicators signify a baseline (–). However, the battle for the top spot reveals incredible depth across Ohio’s cultivation and processing landscape:
CERTIFIED: Taking the crown as Ohio’s #1 brand, Certified Cultivators is a powerhouse based out of Dayton. A family-owned, multi-generational business, they have captured massive market share by combining rigorous organic nutrient cultivation with aggressive product innovation, most notably their high-demand “Deli Box” variable-voltage disposable vapes.
Riviera Creek: Securing the runner-up spot, Youngstown’s Riviera Creek is renowned for its highly clinical approach to cannabis. Utilizing a highly advanced, proprietary aeroponic growing system where roots touch only air, water, light, and nutrients, their signature pesticide-free flower (like Phantom) and solventless ice hash concentrates command massive demand.
Rythm (GTI): Green Thumb Industries’ flagship brand claims the #3 spot. Rythm’s national footprint combined with a meticulous focus on strain-specific terpenes and full-spectrum “true-to-plant” experiences makes them a massive shelf-space disruptor across Ohio dispensaries.
Klutch Cannabis: Operating out of Akron, Klutch is a local titan revered by cannabis connoisseurs for bringing rare global genetics and highly potent solventless live rosins to the market. Their premium flower strains, like the legendary Orange 43, maintain incredibly high distribution point frequency.
Butterfly Effect: As Ohio’s very first medical cannabis brand, Grow Ohio’s flagship line continues to leverage its deep-rooted legacy. Operating a state-of-the-art facility in Zanesville, their full-spectrum CO2 extraction methods and nano-emulsified wellness products keep them firmly anchored in the top five.
Buckeye Relief: Based in Eastlake, Buckeye Relief is one of the state’s largest and most prolific Level I cultivators. They boast an incredibly diverse strain catalog and serve as the exclusive in-state manufacturer for major national partner brands.
UB Good: A rapidly expanding brand making massive waves on dispensary shelves, capturing a commanding position just outside the top five.
King City Gardens: Proving that independent operators can successfully scale and compete directly against major corporate multi-state operators (MSOs).
Rove: A dominant force nationally, Rove has successfully localized its high-end, flavor-forward vape cartridges to capture the #9 spot in the Ohio market.
Firelands Scientific: Rounding out the Top 10, Firelands Scientific continues to thrive on a reputation of pristine quality, sustainable sun-grown cultivation, and deep community trust.
Key Takeaways for May 2026
Local Pride vs. National Muscle
Ohio-native brands (Certified, Riviera Creek, Klutch) are successfully defending their home turf against massive multi-state brands (GTI’s Rythm).
Product Innovation Wins
Brands offering clean, solventless concentrates or proprietary hardware tech are heavily driving the weighted index value.
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Look Ahead to Next Month!
Because this is our very first chart, every brand’s momentum is starting from a clean slate. However, as adult-use consumer habits shift and summer promotional pricing kicks in, we expect some volatility in the weeks ahead.
Which brands will climb the ladder, and who will drop out of the Top 10 entirely? Make sure to check back in next month’s OCHBS newsletter as we reveal the first true momentum shifts and tracking trends from this last month.
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