Ohio Judge Extends Pause On Governor’s Hemp THC Ban

An Ohio judge on Tuesday ruled to extend the pause on Gov. Mike DeWine’s
(R) executive order banning the sale of intoxicating hemp products until
December 2, the Ohio Capital Journal reports.

The governor ordered the banning of hemp THC sales for 90 days in order to
give lawmakers time to craft and adopt hemp industry regulations. But
Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Judge Carl Aveni ordered a 14-day
pause on the ban on October 14, the same day it was set to take effect.

The judge’s original order was prompted by a lawsuit from three Ohio hemp
companies, Fumee Smoke and Vape, Invicta Nutraceuticals, and Titan
Logistics Group, who allege the governor’s executive order violates state
and federal laws. The judge’s follow-up order extends the pause until
December 2, the same day as the next hearing in their case.

Meanwhile, state lawmakers are considering legislation to regulate
intoxicating hemp products — the Senate passed a proposal to set up
retailer licenses and testing requirements, and ban underage sales. The
House passed the bill last week, but added restrictions on public cannabis
consumption and new THC caps on certain adult-use products. The House’s
amendments are currently under consideration in the Senate.

Hemp-derived THC products are currently unregulated in Ohio. Industry
representatives say they welcome regulation but are concerned about
suddenly halting all sales, which would devastate their businesses and lead
to job losses.

Ohio’s adult-use cannabis market launched in August 2024, and licensed
retailers sold over $702 million worth of products during the industry’s
first year.