Senate Passes Hemp Regulation Bill Co-Sponsored by Senator Cutrona

The Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 86, co-sponsored by State Senator Al Cutrona (R-Canfield), to regulate intoxicating hemp products.

"Making sure this industry is regulated protects both the consumer and the retailer," said Senator Cutrona. "Ensuring that dangerous products don't fall into the hands of children or vulnerable members of the public is the least we can do. I'm proud to support this legislation and look forward to seeing its impact in the Valley and Eastern Ohio."

Senate Bill 86 protects Ohioans from unregulated, untested intoxicating hemp products that contain dangerous synthetic additives and are often marketed towards minors by establishing a regulatory framework to purchase these products from current and well-regulated operators. It also prohibits hemp products from being advertised as cannabis or medical marijuana.

Additionally, the bill prohibits any person from selling an intoxicating hemp product at retail outlets 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. 

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