This Wednesday, the Ohio House Judiciary Committee will convene at 9:00 a.m. in Room 113 to hear opponent testimony on two significant pieces of legislation: House Bill 160 (HB 160) and House Bill 198 (HB 198). These bills propose differing approaches to regulating hemp-derived products, and their outcomes could have substantial impacts on consumers, businesses, and the state’s hemp industry.
Overview of Current Hemp and Cannabis Legislation in Ohio
Ohio lawmakers are currently considering three bills that address the regulation of hemp and cannabis products:
- Senate Bill 86 (SB 86): Recently passed unanimously by the Ohio Senate, SB 86 aims to restrict the sale of intoxicating hemp products, such as Delta-8 THC, to licensed marijuana dispensaries. The bill also proposes a 10% tax on these products and mandates product testing and age verification.
- House Bill 160 (HB 160): Introduced by Rep. Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) in March, HB 160 seeks to revise Ohio’s liquor control, hemp, and adult-use marijuana laws. The bill proposes limiting the sale of intoxicating hemp products to licensed dispensaries, capping THC potency levels, and eliminating certain social equity provisions established by previous legislation.
- House Bill 198 (HB 198): In late March, Rep. Tex Fischer (R-Boardman) and Tye Mathews (R-Findlay) introduced this bill which focuses on regulating the manufacture, distribution, and sale of inhalable and ingestible hemp products. HB 198 proposes licensing requirements for manufacturers and retailers, mandatory product testing, and age restrictions for consumers.
Contrasting HB 160 and HB 198
While both HB 160 and HB 198 aim to establish regulations for hemp-derived products, they differ in scope and approach:
- HB 160: This bill takes a more restrictive stance by limiting the sale of intoxicating hemp products exclusively to licensed dispensaries. It also proposes capping THC potency levels at 70% for extracts and 35% for plant material, and seeks to eliminate certain social equity programs related to cannabis.
- HB 198: This bill allows for broader retail access by permitting licensed manufacturers and retailers to sell inhalable and ingestible hemp products, provided they meet safety and labeling standards. The bill emphasizes consumer safety through mandatory product testing and age restrictions, without imposing strict potency caps.
Upcoming Hearings and How to Participate
The House Judiciary Committee’s hearing on Wednesday will provide an opportunity for opponents of HB 160 and HB 198 to present their testimony. Individuals or organizations wishing to testify must submit a witness form and their written testimony by 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6. Submissions can also be made via email or by contacting the Judiciary Committee via phone. The Judiciary Committee’s contact information is available here.
Implications for Ohio’s Hemp Industry
The decisions made regarding these bills will have significant implications for Ohio’s hemp industry, affecting everything from product availability and consumer access to business operations and regulatory compliance. Stakeholders, including consumers, business owners, and advocacy groups, are encouraged to stay informed and participate in the legislative process to ensure their voices are heard.
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