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3h ago

Ohio’s Intoxicating Hemp Sales Ban Takes Effect as Lawsuits and Legislative Pushback Mount

Gov. Mike DeWine imposed a 90-day public health order to pull Delta-8 products and THC drinks from retail shelves, empowering seizures and $500-per-day penalties to address youth access and unregulated sales.

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Overview

  • Enforcement began early Tuesday, requiring retailers to remove covered products, authorizing state and local seizures, and fining violators $500 per day, while personal possession remains legal and licensed dispensaries are not affected.
  • The order targets items exceeding 0.5 mg THC per serving or 2 mg per package, including Delta-8, Delta-9, THCA products, gummies and candies marketed like popular sweets, and many THC beverages.
  • Multiple businesses, including Titan Logistics Group, Fumee Smoke and Vape, and Invicta Nutraceuticals, have sued in Franklin County to block the order, citing federal hemp law; a first court hearing is scheduled next week.
  • State Rep. Tex Fischer says he will file a resolution to end the order after 30 days under a 2021 statute, which would require majority votes in both chambers to take effect.
  • Retailers report immediate financial strain and pulled inventory as consumers rushed to stock up on low-dose THC drinks before the deadline, with some stores estimating substantial sales losses.