Ohio’s Congressional delegation needs to protect juveniles, reject another extension of the intoxicating hemp loophole
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Dear editor:
As a former Wellsville councilman and school board member, I have spent years focused on Ohio families and children. For years, a gray market for intoxicating hemp products has threatened our communities. With a critical federal deadline approaching Dec. 11, I urge Ohio's Congressional delegation to resist industry pressure and let the loophole expire.
The problem traces back to the 2018 Farm Bill, which inadvertently allowed manufacturers to sell potent intoxicating hemp-derived products. While the law distinguishes hemp-derived THC from marijuana-derived THC, the effects can be similar. Gummies, vapes, and drinks may contain synthetic cannabinoids that can be far more potent than marijuana's THC. Some have not been adequately studied, and manufacturing can leave dangerous chemical residues. Yet these products have been sold without age restrictions, safety testing, or accountability.
In Ohio, these products appeared in gas stations and convenience stores, sometimes packaged like candy or snacks that children could easily open. Young people could purchase them online or in person.
The dangers to children are serious and well documented. According to Ohio Poison Control, exposures among those 19 and under increased from 419 in 2021 to 994 in 2024, with more than half involving children five and under. Exposures in that youngest group nearly tripled. About 90% of exposures involving children 12 and under resulted in emergency department visits, and roughly two-thirds required hospitalization.
The situation became so severe that Governor DeWine declared a consumer product emergency in October 2025, ordering retailers to remove intoxicating hemp products from shelves. As a former school board member, I see more than statistics. These are children in our classrooms, neighborhoods, and homes.
Ohio recognized this problem. Senate Bill 56, which took effect this past March, ended unregulated intoxicating hemp sales and brought these products under the regulated marijuana dispensary framework. That means mandatory testing, THC limits, age verification, and child-resistant packaging.
This is not about denying adults the right to make their own choices. It is about making sure intoxicating products are subject to safeguards, especially when their packaging appeals to children. Parents should not have to wonder whether something sold beside snacks contains an intoxicant. Retailers should follow rules, and manufacturers should be responsible for what they put on shelves. Ohio has established that protecting children and regulating these products can go hand in hand.
Ohio made the right call. Unfortunately, the federal loophole continues undermining state efforts. While Ohio and other states have acted, companies exploit federal confusion to keep selling these products in our communities.
The loophole was scheduled to close Nov. 12. Following a late-night lobbying push, the deadline moved to Dec. 11. Now the hemp industry wants another extension. Ohio's delegation needs to say no.
Our legislature acted. Regulators implemented the rules. Communities are better protected. Congress should not keep extending the loophole Ohio has already addressed.
Dec. 11 needs to be the end of this. I urge Ohio's Congressional delegation to stand with families, protect our children, and reject another extension of the intoxicating hemp loophole.
John Morrow
Liverpool Township