Gov. Mike DeWine has signed an executive order directing Ohio retailers to remove intoxicating hemp products from store shelves, citing public safety concerns and the lack of regulations protecting children.
Retailers have until Tuesday, Oct. 14, to stop selling the products, which include THC-infused gummies and beverages commonly found in convenience stores, taprooms, and gas stations. The 90-day order classifies the products as an “adulterated consumer emergency” and gives the Ohio Department of Agriculture authority to seize items and fine violators.
“These products are dangerous, and we need to do better to protect our children,” DeWine said during a Wednesday news conference.
The governor said the marijuana law approved by voters last year created a regulated market for cannabis products, including testing and packaging safeguards to prevent sales to minors — standards that don’t apply to hemp-derived intoxicants.
Intoxicating hemp products, often sold outside licensed dispensaries, contain varying levels of THC and are not subject to FDA oversight. They can be sold to any age group and are frequently packaged to resemble candy brands such as Sour Patch Kids and Nerds, raising concerns that children could accidentally consume them.
DeWine, a father of eight and grandfather to more than two dozen, said he was “disgusted” after reviewing product packaging and THC content levels, noting that some gummies contained as much as 100 milligrams of THC.
The order, effective immediately, will remain in place for 90 days. Lawmakers can decide whether to extend or replace it with permanent legislation. The order does not apply to non-intoxicating hemp or marijuana sold through licensed dispensaries.
Small business owners and hemp retailers expressed frustration with the sudden directive, saying it follows months of legislative inaction. Some business owners, anticipating the move, have already begun liquidating inventory.
“We actually want good regulations — age limits, milligram caps, proper retail licensing — that’s all reasonable,” Columbus-based The Rambling House said in a social media post. “But this sudden ban will hurt small businesses, retailers, and manufacturers.”
DeWine said he would sign a bill if lawmakers act to regulate intoxicating hemp products the same way marijuana is regulated in Ohio.
