Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) issued an executive order on Wednesday banning the sale of hemp-derived THC gummies and beverages in beer and wine retailers, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
The governor said that intoxicating hemp products have been sold without regulation in the state, and that many products mimic well-known candies, which puts children at risk. The ban, which takes effect on Tuesday, October 14, is intended to give lawmakers time to draft regulations for the hemp products.
“I am taking action today under my authority as the governor of the state of Ohio to get these products off the streets,” the governor said.
“Intoxicating hemp is dangerous and we need to better protect our children.” — DeWine, in a statement
Hemp companies generally support regulating the hemp industry, but believe suddenly banning sales will devastate the industry and lead to lost jobs.
Meanwhile, state lawmakers are considering legislation to create an age limit and licensing requirements for the sale of intoxicating hemp products. That proposal would also subject products with hemp-derived THC to the same testing standards required for cannabis products under the state’s adult-use regulations.
The Ohio Cannabis Coalition, which represents the state’s licensed cannabis companies, applauded the governor’s hemp THC ban and said in a statement that “the hemp industry has recklessly exploited the Farm Bill loophole to line its pockets at the expense of Ohioans’ health.”
“Until today, unregulated synthetic hemp-derived cannabinoids were sold openly, putting consumers, especially children, at risk,” the organization said.
DeWine follows in the footsteps of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R), who banned intoxicating hemp products in his state by executive order last month.
