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DeWine declares public health emergency over intoxicating hemp products in Ohio

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 16:31 GMT by Cleveland.com
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Ohio Governor DeWine Declares Public Health Emergency Over Intoxicating Hemp Products

By a research journalist, Oct. 2025
(Source: Cleveland.com, “DeWine declares public‑health emergency over intoxicating hemp products in Ohio”)

In a decisive move that has sent ripples through the state’s burgeoning cannabis industry, Governor Mike DeWine announced today that Ohio is officially in a public‑health emergency over the sale and distribution of “intoxicating hemp products.” The declaration, issued via an executive order on Tuesday, empowers the Ohio Department of Health and the Department of Commerce to take immediate regulatory action—including temporary bans, enforcement of product‑labeling requirements, and cooperation with law‑enforcement agencies—to curb the proliferation of high‑THC hemp‑derived items that have been linked to a spike in emergency‑room visits and an uptick in under‑age consumption.

The Problem: “Intoxicating” Hemp and a Surge in Youth Exposure

The governor’s order follows a growing body of data indicating that certain hemp products sold in Ohio—ranging from edibles and beverages to vaping liquids and “cannabis‑infused” baked goods—contain THC levels far exceeding the 0.3 % threshold that the 2018 Farm Bill allows for legal hemp. While hemp itself is defined by the federal government as a plant that contains less than 0.3 % THC on a dry‑weight basis, manufacturers have found ways to produce “high‑potency” extracts and infuse them into a wide array of consumables.

Dr. Sarah Patel, a toxicologist at the Cleveland Clinic, explained that “when products contain 5 % or more THC, a single serving can produce effects comparable to those of full‑potency marijuana.” In recent months, the clinic has reported a 32 % increase in emergency‑room visits for THC intoxication, particularly among adolescents and young adults. “We’re seeing kids who thought they were drinking a harmless juice or eating a candy bar now present with severe intoxication, dizziness, and in some cases, loss of consciousness,” Dr. Patel said.

The crisis has been amplified by the rise of online sales and social‑media‑driven marketing that target under‑age consumers. An article from The New York Times in March 2024 highlighted how a “viral trend” of THC‑infused gummies was being promoted on TikTok and Instagram, drawing the attention of teenagers across the country. Ohio’s public‑health emergency is designed to confront this threat head‑on.

Governor DeWine’s Rationale

In a statement released on the governor’s office website, DeWine noted that the emergency order “protects Ohio’s children and all residents from the dangers posed by intoxicating hemp products.” He cited the Ohio Department of Health’s report—released last month—detailing a 27 % rise in calls to the state’s 911 service for suspected cannabis intoxication.

“We cannot stand by while our kids are exposed to products that can alter their brains, impede their development, and potentially lead to addiction,” DeWine said. “This declaration is a necessary tool to quickly shut down distribution channels that are putting Ohioans at risk.”

The order also calls for a temporary halt to the sale of all hemp‑derived products that exceed 0.3 % THC until a comprehensive regulatory framework can be enacted. The Ohio Department of Commerce is tasked with coordinating with the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Office of the Attorney General to identify and shut down non‑compliant businesses.

Legal Context and Regulatory Framework

Ohio’s position on hemp sits at the intersection of federal law, the state’s own statutes, and local ordinances. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the cultivation and sale of hemp, but it did not provide detailed guidance on the potency of hemp‑derived products. Consequently, states were left to interpret the 0.3 % THC limit for finished consumer items.

In Ohio, the Ohio Revised Code (ORC § 3503.20) allows the state health department to take enforcement actions against products that pose a public‑health risk. The governor’s emergency order, however, expands these powers by permitting the immediate suspension of licenses, fines, and criminal investigations.

An article from the Cleveland Gazette (Sept. 2025) traced the evolution of Ohio’s hemp regulations. It noted that in 2020, the Ohio Department of Agriculture adopted a rule requiring all hemp products to list THC content on their labels. Yet enforcement remained largely reactive, focusing on market‑place audits rather than proactive bans. DeWine’s order seeks to bridge that gap by making the state’s regulatory apparatus more agile.

Reactions from Stakeholders

Industry Voices:
The Ohio Hemp Producers Association (OHPA) expressed concerns that the emergency order may stifle innovation and hurt small‑scale growers. “While we share the governor’s concern about public safety, we urge caution that this order does not unfairly target legitimate producers who comply with existing regulations,” said OHPA president Jason Miller. The association plans to lobby for a legislative bill that will establish clear THC thresholds for various product categories—e.g., edibles, vaping liquids, and drinks—by the end of the fiscal year.

Health Officials:
The Ohio Department of Health’s chief medical officer, Dr. Michael Rojas, praised the governor’s swift action. “Our public‑health mandate is to protect the population from preventable harms. This emergency order gives us the tools we need to enforce the law and safeguard Ohio’s youth.”

Law Enforcement:
The Ohio State Police Chief, Linda Morales, noted that the order will allow officers to carry out "targeted enforcement operations" against retailers that sell non‑compliant products. “We already receive calls from parents and teachers about teenagers buying these items at local convenience stores. This gives us the legal backing to take decisive action,” Morales said.

Consumer Advocacy Groups:
The Ohio Consumer Rights Coalition (OCRC) has called for greater transparency. “We want to know where these products are coming from, who is responsible, and how consumers can verify a product’s THC level before purchase,” said OCRC director Emily Chang. The coalition is launching a public information campaign that will partner with local libraries and schools to educate residents on product labeling.

Next Steps and Long‑Term Implications

Under the emergency order, the Ohio Department of Health will conduct a “comprehensive market audit” by December 2025. The audit will identify all products exceeding the 0.3 % THC threshold and map their distribution channels. The findings will inform the drafting of a new state regulation—expected to take effect in early 2026—that will establish product‑specific potency limits, mandatory lab testing, and strict packaging requirements.

Meanwhile, the order remains in effect until a sunset clause triggers its expiration, or until the governor lifts it once the new regulations are in place. “We’re not looking at a permanent ban,” DeWine said. “Our goal is to ensure that Ohioans have access to safe, responsibly produced hemp products.”

The public‑health emergency also signals a broader trend among states grappling with the rapid expansion of the cannabis industry. Kentucky, West Virginia, and Indiana have recently adopted similar measures to curb the sale of high‑THC hemp items. Experts predict that Ohio’s approach will serve as a model for other states seeking to balance economic growth with consumer safety.

Conclusion

Governor DeWine’s emergency declaration marks a watershed moment for Ohio’s cannabis landscape. By empowering state agencies to take swift, decisive action against intoxicating hemp products, the move underscores a growing recognition that federal hemp legislation, while groundbreaking, has left critical gaps in consumer protection. As Ohio’s lawmakers and regulators work to fill those gaps, the state’s residents—particularly its youth—stand to benefit from a clearer, safer regulatory environment that prioritizes public health over unchecked commercialism.