An Ohio judge on Tuesday ruled to extend the pause on Gov. Mike DeWine’s (R) executive order banning the sale of intoxicating hemp products until December 2, the Ohio Capital Journal reports.
The governor ordered the banning of hemp THC sales for 90 days in order to give lawmakers time to craft and adopt hemp industry regulations. But Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Judge Carl Aveni ordered a 14-day pause on the ban on October 14, the same day it was set to take effect.
The judge’s original order was prompted by a lawsuit from three Ohio hemp companies, Fumee Smoke and Vape, Invicta Nutraceuticals, and Titan Logistics Group, who allege the governor’s executive order violates state and federal laws. The judge’s follow-up order extends the pause until December 2, the same day as the next hearing in their case.
Meanwhile, state lawmakers are considering legislation to regulate intoxicating hemp products — the Senate passed a proposal to set up retailer licenses and testing requirements, and ban underage sales. The House passed the bill last week, but added restrictions on public cannabis consumption and new THC caps on certain adult-use products. The House’s amendments are currently under consideration in the Senate.
Hemp-derived THC products are currently unregulated in Ohio. Industry representatives say they welcome regulation but are concerned about suddenly halting all sales, which would devastate their businesses and lead to job losses.
Ohio’s adult-use cannabis market launched in August 2024, and licensed retailers sold over $702 million worth of products during the industry’s first year.
