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.
Read more at Ohio Capital Journal