Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine today signed an executive order declaring an Adulterated Consumer Product Emergency for consumable items containing intoxicating hemp.
The order requires Ohio retailers to cease the sale of all intoxicating hemp products by Tuesday, Oct. 14.
According to Ohio Revised Code 3715.74, the governor has the authority to declare an Adulterated Consumer Product Emergency if there is reason to believe a product has been adulterated and presents a threat to public health and safety.
Clandestine chemists have created intoxicating hemp by manipulating compounds found in the legal, non-intoxicating hemp plant and creating intoxicating compounds, including delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC that are found in marijuana. The products create a high similar to marijuana, but unlike marijuana, intoxicating hemp is not regulated and is legal for anyone, including children, to purchase.
DeWine said that intoxicating hemp products have no quality control and are sold in a variety of stores, marketed as candy, cookies, gummy candy, and other products that are attractive to youth.
