DeWine signs executive order to temporarily ban sale of intoxicating hemp products

OG Article By 10TV Web Staff

October 09 2025

Executive Order

• Gov. Mike DeWine signed a 90-day ban on intoxicating hemp products on October 8, 2025.

• Retailers must remove products by October 14, 2025.

• Non-compliance incurs a $500 daily fine.

What’s Banned

• Intoxicating hemp includes delta-8 edibles, gummies, and consumables.

• Found in vape shops and some gas stations.

• Delta-8 offers a milder high than cannabis.

Governor’s Concerns

• Products mimic candy, targeting children.

• Example: “Stoner Patch Gummies” resembles Sour Patch Kids.

• No age checks or testing requirements.

“Designed clearly to entice children,” DeWine said.

Health Risks

• Rising cases of children hospitalized after ingesting hemp products.

• Lack of regulation means unknown contents.

Not About Cannabis

• Ban unrelated to Ohio’s 2023 voter-approved cannabis legalization.

• Cannabis sales face strict regulations, unlike hemp products.

Legislative Outlook

• Ban expires after 90 days unless extended by Ohio General Assembly.

• Proposed bills include:

  • Senate Bill 266: Bans sales to under-21s, untested products, and child-attractive packaging.

  • Other bills: Restrict hemp to adult-use cannabis dispensaries or regulate drinkable cannabinoids.

DeWine supports sales if regulated like cannabis and restricted from children.

Context

• Ohio among ~20 states with no intoxicating hemp regulations, per Ohio State University Drug Enforcement and Policy Center study.