Marijuana sales in Ohio have skyrocketed since recreational transactions began two weeks ago.

Why it matters: Sales are expected to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in state tax revenue and increase business for the 125-plus dispensaries statewide that have already been selling medical marijuana.

• So far, Ohio's sales of recreational marijuana are tracking ahead of sales during the first few weeks of legalization in Michigan (2019) and Illinois (2020).

Catch up quick: Voters approved legalizing recreational sales in November.

• After extensive debate, the state finally began issuing dual-use certificates to businesses this month to sell both medical and recreational marijuana.

By the numbers: From Aug. 6–17, recreational marijuana sales exceeded $22 million.

• Medical sales totaled about $16 million during that period, according to the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Cannabis Control.
• The roughly $38.5 million in combined sales is more than double the $18 million recorded during the same period last year.

Zoom in: Before recreational sales began, Ohio dispensaries averaged $12,740 per day in medical marijuana revenue, according to Headset Data, a firm that tracks cannabis sales across the country.

• During the first three days of recreational sales, dispensaries were averaging $27,300 daily, an increase of 114%.

What they're saying: "Both foot traffic and net sales more than doubled on the first day of recreational sales compared to the average day this year," a representative for Curaleaf, which has a location in Newark, said in a statement.

AYR Wellness, which has locations in Dayton, Woodmere and Goshen, said recreational sales now make up two-thirds of the company's Ohio revenue.

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More hardware is coming home to Lower.com Field.

Why it matters: The Crew beat Los Angeles FC 3-1 last night to win their first Leagues Cup.

• The Cup started in 2019 and is an annual summer competition between clubs from the MLS and Liga MX, the main soccer league in Mexico.

Zoom in: Forward Cucho Hernández scored twice and was the game's MVP.

Between the lines: After losing the MLS Cup back in December and suffering an embarrassing 5-1 defeat in July, Los Angeles probably isn't eager to face Columbus again any time soon.

The bottom line: There's still plenty of regular season left, but we can't help but get excited about the possibility of another deep playoff run.

👋 Alissa here, sharing the finished product from my third and final Local Matters meal kit.

Catch up quick: Order kits online, and the nonprofit's bright green Veggie Van will deliver them free of charge within the I-270 outerbelt.

• It's similar to HelloFresh or Home Chef but at a cheaper price: just $10 per meal.

This month's meal: A black bean stir fry full of fresh vegetables — mushrooms, carrots, onions, broccoli, celery and red peppers.

• The black beans come in a preblended paste that's combined with chicken or vegetable stock, garlic and ginger to make the dish's sauce.

💭 My thought bubble: The kit came with brown rice, but I would've preferred serving the stir fry over noodles — for texture and logistical reasons.

• I have little experience cooking brown rice, and unfortunately, it turned out gummy.
• Luckily the dinner wasn't a total disaster because the stir-fried veggies were so flavorful.

Pro tip: The instructions assume you have some kitchen staples on hand, such as garlic and cooking wine, but I had to stop by the grocery store for the latter.

The bottom line: After preparing these three dishes and making a few mistakes, I've learned that even meal kits aren't idiot-proof.

• Yes, but: They're still a fun way to broaden your palate at a bargain price.
• Plus: Packing this many veggies into a single, tasty dinner is downright impressive.

Order a meal kit

ICYMI: Check out last month's dinner, a Thai coconut soup over rice.