CINCINNATI (WKRC) – As the popularity of THC-infused drinks rises, Ohio lawmakers are considering new regulations to control where these intoxicating hemp products can be sold.
The focus is on products containing Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC, with concerns about their accessibility to minors.
“Things have come up that we didn’t think about six years ago with the farm bill,” said State Senator Steve Huffman, a Republican from Tipp City.
He noted that since then “people have extracted the THC and made some synthetic types of things out of hemp that it becomes intoxicating.”
Huffman’s proposal aims to move most intoxicating hemp products to dispensaries to reduce sales to minors. The plan also includes capping the THC extract in drinks to 5 milligrams per 12-ounce can.
“You just have to go to the dispensary,” Huffman said.
Huffman added that the bill allows CBD drinks to be sold in places with a certain liquor license.
Scotty Hunter from Urban Artifact, a company that began infusing THC into its drinks last year, expressed concerns about the proposed THC cap.
“I think the bill is still very limiting and maybe a little shortsighted in terms of the language,” Hunter said.
He emphasized that their products already undergo strict oversight and are not sold to anyone under 21.
“That 10 milligram container is one of the key pieces, and that’s where we see across the country the largest volume of sales,” Hunter said.
Hunter also warned that consumers might travel to other states due to the regulations.
“I think you can see consumers making the trek to different states to buy what their preferred potency would be,” Hunter said.
Both Huffman and Hunter agree on the need for regulation to prevent products from reaching minors. “We want regulation, we want it to be 21 plus, and we don’t want products getting in the hands of kids or cartoon characters on the packaging,” Hunter said. Huffman echoed these sentiments, stating, “It’s all about the safety of Ohioans, particularly kids, that these things are intoxicating and should be where you get intoxicating THC at dispensaries.”
A hearing on the bill is scheduled for Tuesday in Columbus, with Scotty Hunter among the speakers. There is no word yet on when the bill will be up for a vote, but Senator Huffman hopes to finalize it in the coming weeks.
