The bill passed after months of debate over how to regulate hemp-derived cannabinoids such as delta-8 THC, which are legally distinct from marijuana but can cause similar psychoactive effects. Legislators backing the measure said these products have proliferated in gas stations and smoke shops with little oversight, raising concerns about youth access and product safety.
“This bill closes a loophole that has allowed the sale of high-potency, unregulated intoxicants under the guise of hemp,” said Senate sponsor Bob Peterson (R-Washington Court House). “We’re setting clear rules to protect consumers and support a responsible cannabis industry.”
Under Senate Bill 56, hemp products containing intoxicating cannabinoids would be prohibited from retail sale. The legislation also updates Ohio’s marijuana statutes to address issues that emerged since voters approved recreational cannabis in 2023, including product labeling, packaging regulations, and licensing provisions for dispensaries. Supporters say it creates a more coherent framework between hemp and marijuana markets.
Critics, however, warned that the ban could harm small businesses that entered the hemp industry under existing federal guidelines. “This bill effectively wipes out an entire sector overnight,” said Jessica Martin, owner of a Cincinnati-based hemp company. “Many responsible operators who test and label their products will be driven out, pushing consumers back to the unregulated market.”
Governor DeWine has previously voiced concerns about intoxicating hemp products and signaled support for tighter regulation. However, his office has not yet indicated whether he intends to sign the bill.
If enacted, most provisions of Senate Bill 56 would take effect 90 days after DeWine’s signature, marking a significant shift in how Ohio governs cannabis products.