Morning Briefing | 🥇 Another gold fo r Grace Norman

Housing is expensive. For some, just trying to find a place to live adds up too.

Today in the Morning Briefing, we look at the fees apartment seekers are paying and why some are concerned. We also ask experts about the potential effects of marijuana use with the state’s recreational program now live at dispensaries.

First, let’s celebrate Grace Norman, the Jamestown native who won a gold medal in the triathlon in the Paralympic Games on Sunday in Paris. It was her second gold in the event and the fourth Paralympic medal of her career.

Tom Archdeacon, who has closely followed Norman’s career and written about her success, has a column on her latest win.

If you have thoughts or feedback on this newsletter or other news tips, please let me know at Kyle.Nagel@coxinc.com.

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The newsletter should take about 2 minutes, 39 seconds to read.

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Ohio has no cap on rental application fees, which can add up fast. Some people want that to change.

Credit: HANDOUT

Apartment hunters in Ohio usually must pay a fee when they submit an application to rent an apartment or home.

• Why it matters: Housing advocacy groups say the fees are creating yet another obstacle in the sometimes-frustrating search for housing.

• How much does it cost? These nonrefundable fees can be $50, $75, $100 or more, and even smaller charges can add up fast when people are applying for multiple rental units.

• No rules: Sarah Weber, a staff attorney with Advocates for Basic Legal Equality (ABLE), said there is no limit on how much landlords in the private market in Ohio can charge for rental application fees.

• Other fees: Riegel said landlords sometimes charge move-in fees, cleaning fees, snow and trash removal fees and require renters to pay large security deposits and three months of rent upfront.

Is marijuana addictive? Experts weigh in

Credit: JIM NOELKER

Cannabis professionals and behavioral health experts are fielding more questions about cannabis use and addiction.

• So, can cannabis be addictive? The short answer is “yes.”

• By the numbers: Research suggests that 9-30% of those who use marijuana may develop some degree of marijuana use disorder.

• Not dangerous to everyone: Some experts believe that many people can use cannabis without significant negative consequences — not unlike enjoying occasional alcoholic drinks.

• What they’re saying: “Anything that affects the dopamine levels, the pleasure center in the brain, to such a degree that the body wants it again … that’s one way addiction can be developed.” — Christine Murray, a licensed social worker and behavioral health therapist at Dayton Children’s Hospital.