Ohio Passes Ban on Intoxicating Hemp Products, Bill Moves to Gov. for Final Approval 

The Ohio Senate on Tuesday voted along party lines 22-7 to approve a ban on
intoxicating hemp products and criminalize the possession of all adult-use
cannabis products obtained out of state, Dayton Daily News reports. The new
law does allow intoxicating hemp-derived beverages to be sold at licensed
liquor establishments until the federal ban on the products takes effect
next November.

Following the vote, Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio (D) told
reporters that the criminalization of cannabis products obtained outside of
Ohio is “unnecessary.”

“This original packaging (provision) … what’s the original packaging for
the marijuana you grew at home? Anyone? Do you carry the plant?” — Antonio
via the Daily News

Senate President Rob McColley (R) countered that the provisions
criminalizing out-of-state products are “not something that’s going to be
heavily penalized.”

“But it’s something that we need to make sure that they have the tools
necessary in the event that they need to be able to enforce that,” he told
reporters.

The bill also creates an expungement system for individuals convicted of
low-level possession prior to the state’s adult-use reforms; however, the
plan requires those affected to pay a fee to have their records cleared.

The law also allows the state to immediately begin disbursing monies
collected from cannabis taxes to local governments that host adult-use
dispensaries.

The law takes effect 90 days after it is signed by Gov. Mike DeWine (R),
who has supported the bill and is expected to give it final approval.