Ohio lawmakers are anticipated to determine quickly on a invoice that might limit gross sales of intoxicating hemp-derived THC merchandise, together with more and more common drinks, to state-licensed hashish shops.
The potential vote on Senate Invoice 56 within the state Home, coupled with an government order from Gov. Mike DeWine quickly banning the merchandise, is creating nervousness among the many hundreds of shops carrying the merchandise, in accordance with the Dayton Enterprise Journal.
DeWine’s Oct. 9 government order would have banned the sale of intoxicating hemp merchandise within the state from Oct. 14 till Jan. 12, 2026.
That follows the lead of different states, together with California and Texas, the place governors have stepped into curb what many critics say is a poorly regulated market.
However Ohio’s ban has since been placed on momentary pause by a state decide amid a lawsuit from three hemp corporations difficult its legality.
A listening to in that case is scheduled for Oct. 28.
Vote to restrict hemp-THC merchandise to Ohio marijuana shops looms
Within the meantime, lawmakers are anticipated to vote on Senate Invoice 56 on Wednesday, in accordance with the Columbus Dispatch.
The invoice would limit gross sales of hemp-derived THC merchandise, together with drinks and gummies with delta-8 THC, to state-licensed marijuana companies, the Ohio Capital Journal reported.
That invoice handed the Senate earlier this yr however continues to be awaiting motion within the Home earlier than it may well change into legislation.
“We don’t need delta-8 merchandise being bought to youngsters in shops,” Republican state Home Speaker Matt Huffman instructed the Journal.
“Everyone agrees on that.”
Ohio hemp-derived THC restriction would hurt companies, brewers
However advocates for the burgeoning hemp-THC drinks sector voiced concern over limiting the merchandise’ availability to licensed hashish companies as an alternative of the liquor shops and bars promoting the merchandise by the can or on faucet.
Hemp drinks are a “important new income stream” for small companies equivalent to craft brewers amid declining alcohol gross sales, in accordance with the Ohio Craft Brewers Affiliation.
“The manufacturing and sale of intoxicating hemp drinks are a pure evolution for our business,” stated Mary MacDonald, the affiliation’s government director, in accordance with the Enterprise Journal.
Gross sales of hemp-THC drinks nationwide topped $1 billion final yr, in accordance with one estimate.
