Three Ohio companies have sued Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Agriculture over a 90-day executive order banning hemp-derived THC products. The ban, effective October 14, aims to allow lawmakers to create regulations for these products, which were legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill. The lawsuit claims the ban is unlawful and lacks evidence of a public health threat. Meanwhile, Ohio lawmakers are considering a bill to restrict the sale of hemp THC products to minors, ban child-appealing packaging, and require lab testing. Ohio legalized adult-use cannabis in 2023, with retailers opening in August 2024.

Hemp Companies Sue Ohio Governor Over Hemp THC Ban

Oct 13, 2025

Graham Abbott

Ganjapreneur

Three companies in Ohio have filed a lawsuit against Gov. Mike DeWine (R)
and the Ohio Department of Agriculture after the governor issued an
executive order to ban the sale of hemp-derived THC products in the state.

The companies, Fumee Smoke and Vape, Invicta Nutraceuticals, and Titan
Logistics Group, all sell vapor products — some containing hemp-derived THC
— and say that the ban will harm their businesses and force them to close,
WCMH reports.

The governor’s ban will take effect on Tuesday, October 14, and will remain
in effect for 90 days. The governor said the temporary ban will give
lawmakers time to legislate proper rules for intoxicating hemp products,
which were legalized under the federal 2018 Farm Bill and have proliferated
in the years since.

The lawsuit claims the ban is “unlawful” and states there is “no evidence
hemp products pose an imminent threat to public health.”

Meanwhile, Ohio lawmakers are considering a proposal to prohibit the sale
of hemp THC products to underage individuals. The bill would also ban hemp
packaging from appealing to children, and would require lab testing for all
hemp products sold in the state.

Ohio voters approved adult-use cannabis legalization in 2023, and licensed
retailers opened for business in August 2024.