COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a move reflecting mounting concerns about the slow progress of legal marijuana, Ohio lawmakers are pushing for greater oversight of hemp products with House Bill No. 642. Introduced by Representative Sara P. Carruthers, a Republican from Hamilton, the bill aims to impose stricter regulations on adult-use hemp products.
The bill requires the Director of Agriculture, in coordination with the Department of Public Safety, to conduct an in-depth study on hemp products that could be used for intoxicating purposes. The findings and recommendations must be reported to the General Assembly within thirty days of the bill’s enactment.
Key provisions of the bill include:
- Defining Adult-Use Hemp: Establishing a definition of adult-use hemp products, including potential THC limits based on serving sizes and package quantities, to ensure safety and prevent misuse.
- Sales and Storage Restrictions: Setting guidelines for where and how these products can be sold and stored.
- Age Limits: Implementing minimum age requirements for purchasers.
- Penalties for Sales to Minors: Introducing fines and penalties for vendors who sell hemp products to individuals under the legal age.
- Testing Standards: Recommending testing standards to guarantee product safety and quality.
- Advertising and Labeling: Enforcing restrictions on advertising and mandating clear labeling to inform consumers and protect public health.
- Enforcement Measures: Granting the Ohio Investigative Unit enhanced authority to inspect and enforce compliance with the new regulations.
- Additional Safeguards: Allowing for further recommendations on adult-use hemp products.
The proposed legislation comes with growing frustration among citizens about the extremely slow rollout of legal marijuana in Ohio.
