Ohio Moves to Tighten Hemp THC Regulations, Criminalize Out-of-State Cannabis
Ohio's Senate Bill 56 seeks to tighten cannabis regulations by restricting hemp THC sales and criminalizing out-of-state purchases. Governor DeWine's signature could soon enforce these changes
Key Points
- 1Ohio Senate Bill 56 restricts out-of-state cannabis purchases
- 2Hemp-derived THC will be limited to licensed dispensaries
- 3THC beverages capped at 5 mg per container until 2026
- 4Ohio's cannabis market projected to exceed $1 billion in sales
- 5Governor DeWine's executive order on hemp THC was blocked by courts
Ohio is on the brink of significant changes in its cannabis legislation as Senate Bill 56 awaits the signature of Governor Mike DeWine. This bill, approved by the state Senate with a 22-7 vote, aims to restrict the legality of cannabis products purchased outside Ohio and those not in original packaging. Additionally, it seeks to confine hemp-derived THC products to state-licensed marijuana dispensaries, reflecting a strategic move to tighten control over the burgeoning cannabis market
The proposed legislation responds to ongoing concerns over hemp THC, following a national trend initiated by a ban signed into law by former President Donald Trump. The bill also introduces new limitations on THC-infused beverages, capping their THC content at 5 milligrams per container, with a sunset clause set for the end of 2026. This move aligns with broader efforts to refine Ohio’s adult-use cannabis regulations, which were initially approved by voters in 2023
Cannabis businesses in Ohio have expressed dissatisfaction with the state's stringent advertising and product-naming rules, which they argue are restrictive and inherited from the medical cannabis framework. The legal cannabis market in Ohio is thriving, with sales projected to surpass $1 billion annually, highlighting the economic significance of the industry. However, state authorities are keen on reining in the market for intoxicating hemp, which has been a contentious issue
Governor DeWine previously attempted to impose restrictions on hemp THC through an executive order in October, which was subsequently blocked by the courts. If he signs SB56 into law, the new regulations will take effect by March, further limiting where hemp-derived THC products can be sold. This legislative action is part of a broader strategy to close the so-called Farm Bill loophole, ensuring that Ohio's cannabis market remains regulated and controlled