COLUMBUS – Governor Mike DeWine is calling on Ohio lawmakers to regulate intoxicating hemp to prevent its sale to children.
The Republican governor says “rogue chemists” are modifying hemp, which is a legal, to extract a compound called Delta 8 THC that causes a high similar to marijuana and it is being marketed in stores as candy, cereal, gummies and other products that are attractive to children.
Because intoxicating hemp products are not currently regulated, there’s no law against selling it to children.
“The current loophole that allows these dangerous products to be sold to children needs to be closed as soon as possible. These products are marketed to kids and are made to look like their favorite candy and treats. With no regulation and wide availability, it is all too easy for kids to get them,” DeWine said.
According to data from the Ohio Poison Control Center, there have been at least 257 reports of Delta 8 poisoning in Ohio over the last three years, DeWine said.
In 2023 alone, there were 102 reported poisonings, including 40 involving children under the age of six and 90% of those children required emergency care or were hospitalized.
Until intoxicating hemp products are regulated, DeWine encouraged retailers to remove the products from their shelves.