Roundtable Roundup: OH & IL

Ohio Bill Would Ban Full Spectrum Hemp, Proposed Illinois Hemp Amendments Raise Concerns on Testing and Transport Restrictions

Ohio

Unfortunately, as we predicted a few weeks ago, the Ohio Senate introduced a bill—SB 326—which would ban all full spectrum hemp products.

Specifically, products that contain more than 0.5mg of delta-9 THC per serving, 2mg of delta-9 THC per package, or more than 0.5mg of any other THC per package would be treated as intoxicating and completely prohibited in the state. The bill would take immediate effect, leaving businesses without any option to sell through existing inventory. Even worse, the THC limits apply to all hemp products, even topicals and CBD products that are non-intoxicating.

The THC limits are similar to those passed in last year’s HB 86, which were defeated in the House. We’re hopeful for a similar result this year, but we’re facing legislative headwinds, and the Senate is moving fast. SB 326 is scheduled for a hearing on November 12.

We need your help—please use our State Action Center to urge lawmakers to support the hemp industry’s proposed regulatory framework.

Our proposal offers an alternative to a ban and includes stronger enforcement, licensing for manufacturers and sellers, independent testing of hemp products, adequate labeling which prohibits child-enticing images, and age restrictions for consumable hemp products.

Illinois

The Illinois Department of Agriculture proposed amendments to Illinois’ hemp program rules. The proposed rules have several problematic provisions.

First, hemp that has not been tested, including unharvested hemp crops, would be deemed cannabis. This makes untested hemp illegal and shifts the burden of proof to the hemp grower.

Second, the proposed rules would require a license for transporting hemp (even after processing), effectively requiring consumers to get a license to buy hemp products. These aspects of the proposed rules are poorly drafted and confusing and would have unintended consequences.

The proposed rules are scheduled for a hearing next Tuesday, November 12. While there’s optimism in the industry that the proposed rules will be rejected, please use our State Action Center to urge the joint committee to oppose the proposed rules.