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A new marijuana regulation bill hit the Senate this week. Some lawmakers said they want to regulate and tax intoxicating hemp and drinkable products from cannabis. In the meantime, Senate Bill 86 would prohibit their sale except for sales at licensed dispensaries.
Proponents of the bill said it would protect children, but opponents said it would put Ohio businesses out of business in favor of creating a monopoly for large corporations
At a tobacco store in Columbus, a sign indicates that if you’re under 21 you must enter with a guardian. Ahmad Khalil, owner of Hippie Hut Smoke Shop, said legalizing marijuana boosted his business.
“We have the vapes they’re disposables, nicotine our beautiful rapport as you can see we got some delta and hemp right there,” Khalil said. “We had more customers coming in for glass for accessories and all that fun stuff.”
But he said that boost is now under threat.
Several bills have been circulating over the last few years and lawmakers in Ohio have been trying to regulate marijuana.
Khalil said Senate Bill 86 could be the nail in the coffin.
“If the hemp bill did go in, we would have to shut down some stores and let go some employees,” Khalil said. “Not only our smoke shop but the many of smoke shops the thousands of smoke shops in Ohio, we would all be facing the same problems, major let off, major let goes, we’d have to fire a lot of people and the amount of contracts, that will be broken in the retail space, so commercial properties, people won’t be able to pay their rent.”
Supporters of the bill said they’re concerned about what unregulated marijuana could do on children’s health.
In a Dayton Daily News article, state senator Stephen Huffman wrote that “unregulated delta-8 and other intoxicating hemp products are a danger to all Ohioans, particularly our children.”
The bill is currently being introduced in the Senate and the next step would be to get a hearing in a committee.
Kahili said in his shop they scan ID’s and follow the rules, and he will do whatever it takes to help his family business that was built from scratch.
“There’s a need for regulation; there isn’t a need for banning, if that makes sense, we would love regulation,” Khalil said. “We’ve turned two employees into 60 employees and now we’re in two states. One simple, silly legislation can really ruin the American dream that we’ve built.”
“}]] The bill is currently being introduced in the Senate and the next step would be to get a hearing in a committee. Read More
