Ohio Governor Urges Ban on Intoxicating Hemp Products Targeting Youth

NEW YORK– In a decisive call to action, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine urged state lawmakers to ban “intoxicating hemp” products, including all delta-8 THC goods, amid concerns over their appeal to minors. This appeal comes in the wake of a recent law enforcement sting operation that revealed the ease with which minors can access these products.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Governor DeWine highlighted the urgency of addressing this issue as part of the amendments to Issue 2, the ballot measure that legalized recreational cannabis last November. Fox 8 News reported that the sting operation, conducted by Ohio Department of Public Safety, involved undercover high school students purchasing hemp-based delta-8 products from a local gas station without any restrictions.

The Governor and Andy Wilson, Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, showcased THC-infused candies resembling popular brands and characters, raising alarms about the deliberate targeting of young consumers. Among the displayed items were delta 8-infused gummies shaped like shoes and marketed using NBA star James Harden’s likeness, and cereal bars with a label imitating Tony the Tiger, the famous mascot of Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes.

“These products are clearly aimed at children,” DeWine remarked, stressing the urgent need for legislative action. He pointed out the inability of local police and his office to effectively counter this issue without state-level intervention.

Wilson’s account of the sting operation further underscored the problem. He described how 15-year-old students easily purchased THC gummies close to their school, highlighting the accessibility of these intoxicating hemp goods to minors.

Currently, a bill to ban such products is in the drafting stage, as reported by Fox 8 News. In parallel, HB86, a bill passed by the state Senate in December, includes a prohibition on intoxicating hemp products but awaits consideration by the state House of Representatives.

Governor DeWine’s call to action reflects a growing concern about the impact of these products on youth, emphasizing the need for swift legislative measures to protect this vulnerable group from unintended exposure to intoxicating substances. The Governor’s stance sends a clear message about Ohio’s commitment to safeguarding public health, particularly the well-being of its younger population.