Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has enacted an executive order banning THC products, mandating their removal from retailers by October 14 amid rising concerns over their use by children.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed an executive order prohibiting the sale of intoxicating hemp products, which include THC-containing beverages, gummies, and other edibles. Retailers across the state are required to remove these products from their shelves by October 14.
In a press release, DeWine emphasized the potential dangers of these products, particularly for young, developing brains. “Intoxicating hemp products are known to have significant impacts on young, developing brains, yet these products are legally marketed to kids, sold to kids, and ingested by kids in Ohio,” he stated.
The concern surrounding these products is underscored by their marketing tactics, which often feature colorful packaging that mimics popular candy brands. Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) indicates that exposure to THC during adolescence can lead to detrimental effects on learning, memory, and attention, as well as alterations in brain development.
Intoxicating hemp products are created by manipulating compounds found in hemp plants, resulting in substances such as delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC. Data from Ohio Poison Control (OPC) reveals a troubling increase in exposures to these compounds among individuals aged 19 and younger, rising from 419 cases in 2021 to 994 in 2024. Among children aged five and under, the number of exposures nearly tripled during the same period, escalating from 202 to 555.
Alarmingly, about 90% of children aged 12 and under who were exposed to THC required emergency medical attention, with two-thirds of those cases resulting in hospitalization, according to OPC statistics.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst for Fox News, highlighted the issue of unregulated cannabis products as a significant factor contributing to this problem. “The 2018 Farm Bill opens up a Pandora’s box, where hemp products are used to justify unregulated use of THC gummies, drinks, and intoxicating hemp products,” he stated.
The 2018 Farm Bill, officially known as the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, legalized industrial hemp at the federal level, leading to a surge in the availability of hemp-derived products.
Governor DeWine acknowledged that the ban is a temporary measure but deemed it necessary given the associated risks. He pointed out that when Ohioans voted to legalize marijuana, they did so with the understanding that it would be regulated for individuals aged 21 and older. “Intoxicating hemp completely bypasses these laws, and we must do more to keep these products away from kids,” he said.
Under the new order, any THC-containing products must either be returned to the manufacturer or surrendered to law enforcement. Retailers who fail to comply with the order could face fines of $500 per day for continued sales of these products. Additionally, the Ohio Department of Agriculture has been granted the authority to confiscate any non-compliant items.
As concerns about the safety of intoxicating hemp products continue to grow, this executive order marks a significant step by Ohio officials to protect children from potential harm.
Source: Original article