Overview
- Franklin County Judge Carl Aveni issued a temporary restraining order that immediately halts the 90-day ban, with a preliminary hearing set for Oct. 28.
- DeWine’s order had defined intoxicating hemp as products exceeding 0.5 milligrams of total THC per serving or 2 milligrams per package and empowered the agriculture department to seize products and fine retailers $500 per day.
- Three businesses—Titan Logistics Group, Fumee Smoke and Vape, and Invicta Nutraceuticals—sued, arguing the governor exceeded his authority and conflicted with state and federal hemp definitions tied to 0.3% delta-9 THC.
- DeWine defended the action on youth safety grounds, citing poison-control reports, and said he will pursue permanent legislation while the case proceeds.
- Retailers resumed sales after the ruling, with some reporting sharp demand and scrambled logistics, including a brief embargo on a leading THC seltzer and inventory moved to Kentucky and back, as owners warn of significant potential losses.