Hemp Industry Speaks Out Against Ohio Bill That Would Ban Intoxicating Cannabinoid Products

“We want the responsible businesses to continue to operate and ensure there are not bad actors, and unsafe products, in the market.”

By Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal

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 (R) has been asking lawmakers to regulate or ban delta-8 THC products and State Sen. Steve Huffman (R-Tipp City) introduced SB 326 last month.

Twenty-five people submitted opponent testimony on SB 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 percent 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 in revenue,” he said. “It also estimates the hemp-derived product industry provides 8,157 jobs with $327,448,000 in wages for the employees of the industry, and approximately $40,524,970 in annual sales tax receipts.”

Mo Dayem owns six smoke shops across the state that sells hemp products.

“SB 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.

“Some products that have garnered media attention are packaged like known children’s candy brands,” he said. “This should be prohibited, and the industry agrees they should be off the market.”

Doug Strahm owns two CBD stores—Happy Harvest Delaware and Happy Harvest Marion—and said this bill would destroy his business.

“My family’s financial stability and well-being, as well as the jobs of our employees, are all tied to this industry,” he said.

About 80 percent of their sales come from delta-8 products, which they only sell to customers 21 and older.

“The median age of our customers is actually around 45 years old,” Strahm said.

Jaimee Courtney owns a CBD store in Bellefontaine where most of their customers are over 55.

“These are responsible adults seeking relief and wellness without the intoxicating effects of marijuana,” she said.

Courtney shared the story of a 90-year-old customer who says taking CBD gummies has helped her stop having seizures.

“I think this ban would hurt people more than it would actually help,” she said.

Lawmakers are trying to get their bills passed before the current General Assembly comes to a close at the end of the month, meaning any bills that don’t pass will die and would have to be reintroduced in the next General Assembly, which starts in January.

This story was first published by Ohio Capital Journal.