COLUMBUS, Ohio — Amid growing support for the legal cannabis industry in Ohio, state lawmakers are advancing legislation that could dramatically limit access to hemp-derived CBD products, including popular non-intoxicating options like those from Sunmed | Your CBD Store. The bill, Senate Bill 326, introduced on November 6, 2024, by Republican lawmakers, would redefine legal thresholds for hemp-derived THC, impacting a wide range of CBD products currently sold across the state.
If passed, the bill would restrict products containing more than 0.5 milligrams of delta-9 THC per serving or more than 2 milligrams per package. This low THC limit would cover even non-intoxicating full-spectrum CBD products that include only trace levels of THC and are marketed for wellness rather than recreational use. Critics argue that the bill would essentially ban most full-spectrum CBD products, which supporters say offer health benefits without producing a high.
According to Sunmed | Your CBD Store, a nationwide chain specializing in hemp-derived CBD products, over 90% of their Ohio inventory would be rendered illegal under the proposed restrictions. “If enacted, S.B. 326 would effectively ban non-intoxicating full spectrum CBD products containing only trace THC levels—many of which have proven health benefits and are sold at reputable wellness centers,” a representative told the Guardian.
The bill arrives on the heels of a significant shift in Ohio’s cannabis landscape. In November 2023, Ohio voters approved the legalization of recreational marijuana, indicating broad public support for accessible cannabis products. Yet, as lawmakers push for tighter control over hemp, advocates claim the new legislation blurs the lines between intoxicating cannabis and non-intoxicating CBD products, threatening an industry that has long been regulated and committed to safety measures such as child-resistant packaging, THC labeling, and 21+ age restrictions.
Ohio’s proposed restrictions echo concerns that have been debated nationwide, with conservative lawmakers cautioning against what they see as loopholes for intoxicating products. Senate Bill 326 defines “intoxicating” broadly, including all THC variants like delta-8, which have gained popularity as “legal high” alternatives. The bill’s supporters argue these products should be regulated similarly to marijuana. However, hemp industry advocates emphasize that non-intoxicating CBD differs fundamentally from recreational cannabis and worry that the ban could disrupt access to legal products that provide wellness support for Ohioans.
The U.S. Hemp Roundtable and other advocacy groups are urging Ohio residents to reach out to state legislators to oppose S.B. 326, arguing that a balanced approach is essential for consumer safety and industry stability. “Ohio residents are encouraged to contact their state legislators and voice opposition to this restrictive bill,” stated the Roundtable in a public alert, which also provided an online tool for Ohioans to contact their representatives.
The urgency around S.B. 326, introduced as an emergency measure, signals a determined legislative effort to redefine access to hemp and CBD products in Ohio. With Ohioans recently voting in favor of recreational marijuana, the legislation presents a striking contrast to the state’s apparent shift toward more relaxed cannabis policies. If passed, S.B. 326 could leave many wellness-centered hemp products unavailable in Ohio, cutting off what has been a legal, regulated option for consumers.