Senate adopts Wilkin bill providing public safety improvements for hemp industry

COLUMBUS – The Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 86, sponsored by State Senator Shane Wilkin (R-Hillsboro) and State Senator Steve Huffman (R-Tipp City) to regulate intoxicating hemp products and authorize the sale of low-dose drinkable cannabinoid products.

"Establishing regulations on potentially dangerous products protects Ohio's business owners and consumers," said Senator Wilkin. "By instituting these rules, citizens can be confident that the product they purchase is as advertised. I'm proud to have played a role in settling this unregulated market in Ohio and look forward to its impact across the Buckeye State."  

"Currently, intoxicating hemp products are untested, unregulated, psychoactive products that can be just as intoxicating, if not more intoxicating than marijuana," said Senator Huffman. "This bill prohibits hemp products that are not sold in dispensaries from marketing the products as marijuana while also closing loopholes that would allow these dangerous products to be sold to our children. Having a well-regulated hemp industry supports Ohio's economy while protecting the consumer."

Senate Bill 86 establishes regulation by the Department of Commerce of general intoxicating hemp products and for drinkable cannabinoid products (DCPs), low-dose hemp derived THC beverages that may be sold to Ohioans 21 and older. The bill authorizes the manufacture and sale of low-dose DCPs in Ohio’s dispensaries, craft breweries, bars and restaurants, and carry-outs, while also imposing a $3.50 per gallon excise tax on the manufacturer.

Additionally, the bill prohibits any person from selling an intoxicating hemp product at retail in Ohio, except for a licensed marijuana dispensary resulting in a first degree misdemeanor on a first offense and a fifth degree felony on a second or subsequent offense. Should anyone sell a product to an individual under 21, a fifth degree felony will be applied.

Senate Bill 86 now goes to the Ohio House for further consideration.
 
Senator Shane Wilkin represents the 17th District in the Ohio Senate, which encompasses Fayette, Gallia, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross and Vinton counties, as well as part of Perry County. Learn more at www.OhioSenate.gov/Wilkin.