The Ohio Capital Jnl
Workers in the hemp industry spoke out against a bill that would ban intoxicating hemp products in Ohio, effectively putting them out of business. These are known as delta-8 THC products that are often sold at smoke shops and corner stores.
Those who spoke out against Senate Bill 326 during last week’s Senate Government Committee Meeting called for regulations, not a ban on sales — arguing that would cause the black market to flourish.
“Strict bans will only support illicit sales of these products, with no enforceable safety or age requirements, which does nothing to address the issues legislators have cited as the need for new hemp legislation,” said Jonathan Miller, general counsel for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has been asking lawmakers to regulate or ban delta-8 THC products and State Sen. Steve Huffman, R-Tipp City, introduced S.B. 326 last month.
Twenty-five people submitted opponent testimony on S.B. 326 last week and nearly 20 people submitted proponent testimony on the bill last month.
Marijuana is legal in Ohio and is not considered an intoxicating hemp product. The 2018 Farm Bill says hemp can be grown legally if it contains less than 0.3% THC.
“Senate Bill 326 aims to make illegal an industry made up of thousands of small businesses but in fact it will simply strengthen the black market,” said JD McCormick, president of the American Healthy Alternatives Association.
Several Ohioans have turned to hemp as an alternative to opioid pain prescriptions, he said.
“A 2023 economic impact report on the United States cannabinoid industry indicates that Ohio’s hemp-derived cannabinoid market is responsible for $704,782,000.00 in revenue,” he said. “It also estimates the hemp-derived product industry provides 8,157 jobs with $327,448,000.00 in wages for the employees of the industry, and approximately $40,524,970.00 in annual sales tax receipts.”
Mo Dayem owns six smoke shops across the state that sells hemp products.
“S.B. 326 bill would jeopardize my business and my employees,” he said. “I assure you that the industry is in support of reasonable regulations. We want the responsible businesses to continue to operate and ensure there are not bad actors, and unsafe products, in the market.”
The hemp industry supports banning sales to people under 21, testing products, labeling requirements, and restrictions, Dayem said.
Hemp industry workers testify against bill that would ban intoxicating hemp products
