The Ohio Senate unanimously passed a bill that would significantly restrict where intoxicating hemp products can be sold, requiring that such products be available only through state-licensed adult-use cannabis dispensaries.
Currently, these hemp-derived products — which often contain compounds like Delta-8 THC — are sold at CBD shops, convenience stores, smoke shops, and gas stations across the state. The newly passed legislation seeks to ban those sales outside of licensed dispensaries to protect public health and ensure proper regulation.
The measure also includes a 10% tax, an age restriction of 21 and over, and mandatory testing and labeling requirements for all intoxicating hemp products.
“Current intoxicating hemp products are untested and unregulated,” said Sen. Steve Huffman (R). “The bill protects buyers… and ensures adults can still purchase them from existing regulated operators.”
Sen. Bill DeMora (D) supported the bill on the Senate floor, stating it was aimed at keeping “untested, unsafe items marketed toward children” out of everyday retail shops and vape stores. He called the added regulations “common sense measures.”
However, not everyone is in favor. Jaimee Courtney, a CBD business owner in Bellefontaine, testified that the bill would eliminate 90% of her store’s non-intoxicating full-spectrum hemp products and likely push consumers toward unregulated online markets.
The legislation now heads to the Ohio House of Representatives for further consideration.
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