Thomas G. Heron predicts that marijuana in Ohio will become a billion dollar industry in the next year. He should know. He’s Ohio’s leading cannabis law attorney, and Partner in Frantz Ward’s Cannabis Law Practice Group. In this latest edition of CMBA’s Law and The Land podcast, Tom sat down with CMBA CEO Chris Schmitt and provides fascinating insights into how weed became legal in Ohio, why he has such a personal passion for this cause, and what the future of cannabis business means for our state. Tom has also served as the chair of the CMBA’s Thought Leadership Committee, and the explains why defending the Rule of Law is so critical for attorneys of all political persuasions.

"If we're not going to stand up for lawyers and law firms who are our members, what are we even doing here? And if we're not going to speak up and protect the integrity and independence of the courts, what are we even doing here?"

That's CMBA Immediate Past President Matthew D. Besser talking about why we are hosting powerful discussions about the Rule of Law and the role of our courts in protecting the Constitution. He's talking with CMBA CEO Chris Schmitt about an upcoming visit to the CMBA by the American Bar Association on Tuesday July 8, 2025. Matt will be hosting a forum for the legal community with ABA President Bill Bay. Free tickets are still available! Visit clemetrobar.org to learn more.

Blind Injustice is a musically diverse opera telling the inspiring stories of six people who spent decades in Ohio prisons, only to finally be exonerated and granted the freedom they always deserved.

The CMBA is a proud sponsor of Blind Injustice at Playhouse Square July 11-13, 2025. Tickets are on sale now at playhousesquare.org. Produced in Cleveland by Chagrin Arts, Blind Injustice opened to sold out crowds in Cincinnati, and more recently played at Lincoln Center in New York City to outstanding reviews. CityBeat calls Blind Injustice "a masterpiece."

In this special edition of MyBarStory, CMBA CEO Chris Schmitt is joined by Cleveland attorney and wrongful conviction activist Terry Gilbert. Also on the panel is Laurice Glover, who spent 20 years in prison and whose story is brilliantly portrayed in Blind Injustice, and Brian K. Johnson, a world-renowned opera singer who plays the part of Cleveland exonoree Rickey Jackson.

It's an important discussion about justice, and how art can shine a light on the dangerous gaps in our system.