Ohio Gov. Issues 90-Day Ban on Intoxicating Hemp Product Sales

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) issued an executive order on Wednesday banning
the sale of hemp-derived THC gummies and beverages in beer and wine
retailers, the Columbus Dispatch reports.

The governor said that intoxicating hemp products have been sold without
regulation in the state, and that many products mimic well-known candies,
which puts children at risk. The ban, which takes effect on Tuesday,
October 14, is intended to give lawmakers time to draft regulations for the
hemp products.

“I am taking action today under my authority as the governor of the state
of Ohio to get these products off the streets,” the governor said.

“Intoxicating hemp is dangerous and we need to better protect our
children.” — DeWine, in a statement

Hemp companies generally support regulating the hemp industry, but believe
suddenly banning sales will devastate the industry and lead to lost jobs.

Meanwhile, state lawmakers are considering legislation to create an age
limit and licensing requirements for the sale of intoxicating hemp
products. That proposal would also subject products with hemp-derived THC
to the same testing standards required for cannabis products under the
state’s adult-use regulations.

The Ohio Cannabis Coalition, which represents the state’s licensed cannabis
companies, applauded the governor’s hemp THC ban and said in a statement
that “the hemp industry has recklessly exploited the Farm Bill loophole to
line its pockets at the expense of Ohioans’ health.”

“Until today, unregulated synthetic hemp-derived cannabinoids were sold
openly, putting consumers, especially children, at risk,” the organization
said.

DeWine follows in the footsteps of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R), who banned
intoxicating hemp products in his state by executive order last month.