Ohio Governor Advocates for Ban on Intoxicating Hemp Products Amid Cannabis Regulation Efforts

LOS ANGELES— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has urged state legislators to ban hemp-derived cannabinoids, including delta-8 THC, citing potential risks to children. The call for legislative action comes as Ohio prepares to navigate the complexities of recreational cannabis regulation following its recent legalization.

DeWine, addressing the issue at a press conference, expressed concern over the unrestricted availability of hemp products with psychotropic properties, like delta-8 THC. “It is intoxicating, it is something that needs to be banned,” he stated, highlighting the current lack of jurisdiction and laws in Ohio to regulate these products.

The state’s legislative agenda is already packed with cannabis-related issues, following the legalization of recreational marijuana through Question 2 in the 2023 off-year election. This initiative, approved by Ohio voters, legalizes cannabis use for adults and sets a framework for regulated recreational cannabis sales.

As the Ohio House of Representatives prepares to reconvene earlier than planned, DeWine emphasized the need for swift action. The House’s return is primarily aimed at addressing a veto by DeWine regarding a bill on gender-affirming healthcare for children. However, the Governor hopes this session will also focus on cannabis regulation.

DeWine and GOP leaders initially attempted to introduce restrictive measures on Question 2 before its implementation on December 7. However, they were unable to reach a consensus, deferring the issue to the new legislative session.

Amidst these developments, Republican Senator Huffman is drafting a bill to regulate intoxicating hemp products, mindful of balancing industry concerns. Huffman’s approach is cautious, aiming to differentiate between beneficial CBD products and those that pose intoxication risks.

DeWine, acknowledging Huffman’s efforts, stressed the urgency of protecting children from intoxicating hemp products. “If we want to talk about protecting kids, dealing with intoxicating hemp is something we need to deal with,” he said.

This situation places Ohio at a crossroads, where balancing the new cannabis landscape with public health concerns remains a challenging yet crucial task. As the legislature reconvenes, the focus on regulating both recreational marijuana and intoxicating hemp products will be a key issue, reflecting a broader conversation on cannabis regulation in the United States.