South Ohio News

The Ohio Senate has passed Senate Bill 86, a legislative measure sponsored by State Senator Shane Wilkin and State Senator Steve Huffman aimed at regulating intoxicating hemp products and authorizing the sale of low-dose drinkable cannabinoid products (DCPs). According to the bill, low-dose hemp-derived THC beverages will be available for purchase by individuals 21 and older within the state.

"Establishing regulations on potentially dangerous products protects Ohio's business owners and consumers," explained Senator Wilkin. He emphasized confidence in the bill, stating, "By instituting these rules, citizens can be confident that the product they purchase is as advertised."

Senator Huffman highlighted the concern over unregulated hemp products, noting, "Currently, intoxicating hemp products are untested, unregulated, psychoactive products that can be just as intoxicating, if not more intoxicating than marijuana." Huffman also commented on the bill’s role in consumer protection, adding, "This bill prohibits hemp products that are not sold in dispensaries from marketing the products as marijuana while also closing loopholes that would allow these dangerous products to be sold to our children."

The bill assigns regulatory authority to the Department of Commerce over general intoxicating hemp products and outlines manufacturing and sales guidelines for DCPs. Notably, it allows these low-dose THC beverages to be sold in dispensaries, craft breweries, bars, restaurants, and carry-outs, with a $3.50 per gallon excise tax imposed on manufacturers.

Under the proposed legislation, retail sale of intoxicating hemp products is restricted to licensed marijuana dispensaries. Violations could result in a first-degree misdemeanor for an initial offense and escalate to a fifth-degree felony for repeated offenses. Additionally, selling these products to individuals under 21 years old would constitute a fifth-degree felony.

Senate Bill 86 will now proceed to the Ohio House for further deliberation.