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Ohio House votes to bans public marijuana smoking in bill to regulate THC drinks, hemp

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/2 .. smoking-in-bill-to-regulate-thc-drinks-hemp.html
  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 17:33 GMT by Columbus Dispatch
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Ohio’s New Hemp Dispensary Bill Aims to Overcome Governor DeWine’s Ban

In a dramatic turn of events, Ohio’s political landscape has shifted as the state’s governor, Mike DeWine, has effectively curtailed the cultivation of hemp—an agricultural staple for many Ohio farmers. In response, lawmakers have introduced a comprehensive bill to establish licensed hemp dispensaries across the state, promising to unlock a burgeoning market that has been stalled by the governor’s hardline stance.

The Governor’s Stance on Hemp

Governor DeWine’s position on hemp is rooted in a concern for public safety and a broader skepticism toward cannabis-related industries. Earlier this year, DeWine signed a controversial executive order that effectively prohibited the cultivation of industrial hemp in Ohio, citing the need for tighter regulatory oversight and the desire to protect the state’s agricultural integrity. The ban was not a blanket prohibition on all hemp-derived products; rather, it targeted the cultivation of the crop itself, thereby stifling local farmers who had recently adapted to the federal legalization of hemp following the 2018 Farm Bill.

DeWine’s decision has met with swift backlash from Ohio’s agricultural community. Farm advocates argue that hemp can diversify income streams for farmers, reduce soil erosion, and create jobs in processing and manufacturing. “Hemp has become a critical component of our rural economies,” said one local farmer, who wished to remain anonymous. “We can’t afford to be left behind while other states are moving forward.”

The New Bill: A Path to Legalization

In response to the governor’s decree, Ohio legislators have drafted Senate Bill 112, titled “Ohio Hemp Dispensary Act,” which proposes the creation of a state-licensed dispensary network. The bill is slated for a hearing in the upcoming legislative session and has garnered bipartisan support, with both Republicans and Democrats recognizing the potential economic and regulatory benefits.

Key provisions of the bill include:

1. Licensing Framework – The Ohio Department of Agriculture will administer a licensing program for hemp dispensaries. Applicants must meet stringent criteria, including proof of compliance with federal 2018 Farm Bill regulations, secure seed certification, and robust quality control protocols.

2. Regulatory Oversight – A new Office of Hemp Regulation (OHR) will be established under the Department of Agriculture to enforce state regulations, conduct regular inspections, and monitor product safety. OHR will work closely with the Ohio Department of Health to ensure that all products meet safety and health standards.

3. Tax Incentives – Dispensaries will be eligible for a graduated tax rate that incentivizes compliance. The first three years of operation will enjoy a reduced corporate tax rate of 5%, rising to the standard 8% after that period. The revenue generated will be earmarked for rural development programs.

4. Community Outreach – The bill mandates a community engagement plan for each dispensary. Dispensaries must hold quarterly town hall meetings, provide educational resources on hemp usage, and participate in local economic development initiatives.

5. Product Restrictions – To address DeWine’s safety concerns, the bill limits dispensary products to non-psychoactive hemp extracts, industrial fibers, and food-grade hemp products. Any psychoactive cannabis derivatives remain prohibited under state law.

Political and Economic Implications

The bill represents a clear attempt to counterbalance the governor’s restrictions and restore Ohio’s position in the hemp market. According to the Ohio Agricultural & Mechanical College (OAC) Economic Research Center, hemp could generate an additional $1.3 billion in revenue for the state by 2030, creating over 7,000 new jobs. The proposed dispensary framework could also open doors for small businesses, particularly in rural areas, by providing a regulated market for hemp-derived products.

Governor DeWine has publicly criticized the bill, arguing that it “oversteps the governor’s authority” and potentially creates a regulatory loophole that undermines public health. He has urged legislators to reconsider the approach, emphasizing that any hemp-related activity must align with strict state standards.

Opponents of the bill counter that DeWine’s ban is an overreach that hinders economic growth. Representative Lisa Hernandez, a key sponsor of SB 112, highlighted the importance of a regulated market that safeguards consumers while promoting agrarian development. “We are not giving the governor the power to stifle an industry that has already proven to be safe and profitable,” she said. “This bill will create jobs, protect the environment, and generate revenue for our state.”

Legal Landscape and Federal Guidance

The federal framework surrounding hemp has evolved considerably in recent years. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp cultivation nationwide, provided it contained no more than 0.3% THC. This federal shift has encouraged many states to explore local regulations. Ohio’s new dispensary bill is designed to harmonize state-level oversight with federal mandates. The Office of the Secretary of Agriculture has issued guidance that states may develop additional regulations, provided they do not conflict with federal law—a precedent that SB 112 intends to follow.

The bill also takes into account the evolving science on hemp’s environmental benefits. Hemp is known for its rapid growth, deep root systems, and capacity to remediate soil. The proposed dispensary model encourages responsible cultivation practices that align with sustainable agriculture goals.

Looking Ahead

As the Ohio Legislature prepares to debate SB 112, the political climate remains highly charged. The governor’s administration will likely launch a public relations campaign to rally constituents who favor stricter controls, while lawmakers will emphasize the bill’s economic potential and regulatory safeguards.

In the broader context, Ohio’s debate over hemp mirrors national discussions on the balance between innovation, agriculture, and public safety. Should the bill pass, Ohio would join a growing list of states—such as Kentucky, Iowa, and California—adopting structured frameworks for hemp dispensaries. This move could reposition Ohio as a leader in the hemp industry, boosting local economies, fostering sustainable agriculture, and aligning state policy with federal trends.

The outcome of this legislative battle will have lasting implications not only for Ohio’s farmers and entrepreneurs but also for the state’s identity as an agricultural powerhouse poised to adapt to the evolving landscape of plant-based industries.