Ohio Senate advances bill to regulate intoxicating hemp products and ensure public safety

The Ohio Senate convened on April 30, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 86, which aims to regulate the sale of intoxicating hemp products and ensure public safety, particularly for minors. The bill proposes that these products, which include drinkable cannabinoids, be sold exclusively in licensed marijuana dispensaries, addressing concerns over unregulated and potentially dangerous items currently available in the market.

Senator Huffman, a key proponent of the bill, emphasized the need for regulation to combat the risks associated with untested hemp products that can be misleadingly marketed as safe. He highlighted recent law enforcement actions against illicit smoke shops that have been selling unregulated products, which have raised alarms among parents and educators regarding their accessibility to children. The bill seeks to close loopholes that allow such products to be sold, thereby protecting minors while still permitting adults to purchase regulated items.

The legislation also includes provisions for testing, packaging, and labeling of these products to ensure consumer safety. It establishes a tax rate of 10% on intoxicating hemp products, aligning it with the existing marijuana tax, and specifies that hemp beverages can only be sold in establishments with appropriate liquor licenses and at limited THC levels.

Senator Wilkin echoed Huffman's sentiments, stressing that the bill is fundamentally about safeguarding children from harmful substances. He recounted alarming examples of unregulated products that mimic popular children's snacks, underscoring the urgent need for oversight in this area.

The Senate's discussions reflect a growing recognition of the complexities surrounding the hemp market and the necessity for regulatory measures to protect public health. As the bill moves forward, it aims to create a safer environment for consumers while addressing the challenges posed by an evolving industry.