Intoxicating Hemp Products Are Now Banned in Ohio: Why Having a Medical Marijuana Card Matters More Than Ever

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On October 8th, Governor Mike DeWine declared a 90-day ban on intoxicating hemp products in Ohio, including Delta-8 THC and other hemp-derived products that can cause intoxicating effects starting October 14th. The move comes as part of a public health emergency to protect consumers and tighten regulations around untested hemp items. 

For anyone who relies on these products, this change makes one thing clear: having a medical marijuana card is the most reliable way to access safe, legal, regulated products. Keep reading to learn what the ban means for Ohio residents.

Ohio’s Emergency Order Explained

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued a consumer product emergency under Ohio Revised Code Section 3715.74, placing a 90-day ban on the sale and display of intoxicating hemp products. This includes Delta-8 THC, THC-infused drinks, and other hemp-based products that cause intoxicating effects. The order officially takes effect on October 14, 2025, at 12:01 a.m.

The emergency declaration gives the Ohio Department of Agriculture authority to immediately update hemp regulations without going through the usual lengthy rulemaking process. During this time, retailers must remove all intoxicating hemp products from sale and public display and store them separately until they can be legally disposed of. Any business that fails to comply can face fines of up to $500 per day.

Importantly, the ban does not apply to non-intoxicating hemp products like standard CBD or to medical marijuana sold through Ohio’s licensed dispensaries. That means medical marijuana patients can continue accessing their products safely and legally.

What Are Intoxicating Hemp Products?

Under federal law, hemp products with less than 0.3% THC are legal. However, some manufacturers chemically convert non-intoxicating compounds from hemp into psychoactive forms like Delta-8 THC or THC-A. These products can create similar effects to marijuana but often bypass regulation, meaning they aren’t tested or verified for safety like the medical marijuana products available at licensed dispensaries.

Because they’ve been sold without consistent testing or age restrictions, these products have flooded gas stations, vape shops, and convenience stores. Many are packaged like candy or soda, which has led to accidental ingestion by children. State officials say Ohio’s poison control centers have seen a sharp rise in calls related to these products, prompting immediate action to protect public safety.

What the Order Means for Businesses and Consumers

The governor’s order requires all retailers to:

• Cease sales and public display of intoxicating hemp products immediately

• Segregate existing inventory for return, destruction, or other lawful disposal

• Comply with new rule changes issued by the Ohio Department of Agriculture

Violations can result in daily fines, and the emergency order will remain in place for 90 days. During this time, the state is working to permanently redefine what qualifies as legal hemp, likely excluding any intoxicating compounds.

For everyday consumers, this means most hemp-derived THC products will disappear from store shelves. But patients who hold a medical marijuana card will continue to have access to safe, tested, and legal marijuana from dispensaries through Ohio’s regulated program.

Why This Highlights the Importance of a Medical Marijuana Card

While unregulated hemp products are being banned, Ohio’s medical marijuana program continues to operate safely and legally. Here’s why having a medical card matters now more than ever:

1. Safe, Tested Products

Marijuana products sold in Ohio dispensaries go through strict lab testing for potency, contaminants, and safety. You’ll always know exactly what you’re consuming, something that wasn’t guaranteed with the unregulated hemp products.

2. Legal Protection

A medical marijuana card ensures that your access to marijuana products is legal and protected under state law. As hemp rules tighten, cardholders maintain secure, uninterrupted access to the relief they need.

3. Reliable Access

With intoxicating hemp products disappearing from the market, patients with medical marijuana cards can continue to purchase the products that work for them from licensed dispensaries throughout the state without disruption.

4. Professional Guidance

When you have a medical marijuana card, your care is overseen by a licensed physician who can help you find the right product and dosage for your condition. At Ohio Marijuana Card, our certified doctors provide evaluations, recommendations, and ongoing support so you can use marijuana safely, effectively, and confidently.

What You Should Do Next

Ohio’s medical marijuana program covers a wide range of qualifying conditions that allow patients to access safe and legal treatment options. You may qualify if you’ve been diagnosed with one of the approved medical conditions listed below:

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

• Alzheimer's Disease

• Arthritis

• AIDS

• Cachexia, wasting syndrome

• Cancer

• Chronic Pain (Severe/Intractable)​

• Chronic Migraines

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

• Crohn's Disease

• Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)

• Epilepsy (Seizures)

• Fibromyalgia

• Glaucoma

• HIV

• Hepatitis C

• Huntington’s Disease

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Parkinson’s Disease

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Sickle Cell Anemia

• Spasticity

• Spinal Cord Injury

• Terminal Illness

• Tourette Syndrome

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Ulcerative Colitis

If you don’t see your condition on this list or aren’t sure if you qualify, contact our team by giving us a call at (866) 457-5559! Many patients still qualify if their symptoms are related to one of the qualifying conditions. Our certified physicians can review your medical history, answer your questions, and determine whether medical marijuana could be a safe and effective treatment for you. 

If you’re already a medical marijuana patient, nothing changes; your access remains fully legal and protected. If you’ve been using hemp-derived THC products, now is the perfect time to make the switch to regulated medical marijuana for safer, more reliable relief. And if your card has expired, renewing it now ensures you won’t face any interruption in access.

What’s Next for Ohio’s Hemp and Marijuana Laws

Ohio lawmakers are moving to make these changes more permanent. On October 24, 2025, the Ohio House passed a bipartisan bill that would overhaul how both marijuana and hemp are regulated in the state.

The bill would officially ban intoxicating hemp products, such as delta-8 THC and other hemp-derived items that can cause a high, beyond the 90-day emergency order currently in place. It also introduces stricter licensing requirements for hemp businesses, new packaging and labeling standards, and tougher penalties for selling unregulated products.

For medical marijuana patients, this is a clear sign that the state is committed to strengthening its regulated market. While hemp products are facing tighter restrictions, Ohio’s medical marijuana program remains a reliable and legal way for patients to access the relief they need under consistent state oversight.

Lawmakers have framed the move as part of a broader effort to improve safety, transparency, and consumer confidence in Ohio’s marijuana industry. The bill will now move forward for further consideration, but it’s clear that the future of hemp in Ohio will look very different, making a medical marijuana card more valuable than ever.

The Bottom Line

Ohio’s emergency ban on intoxicating hemp products is a major shift in state policy, one that removes unregulated products from the market and prioritizes consumer safety. For patients who depend on THC-based products, the safest path forward is through Ohio’s medical marijuana program, where products are lab-tested, accurately labeled, and legally protected.

If you’ve been considering medical marijuana, now is the perfect time to take action. Find out if you qualify and schedule your appointment with us today for safe, reliable access to the treatment you need.

Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today!

Having a medical marijuana card in Ohio offers numerous benefits over recreational use. With your medical card, you gain access to higher-quality, lab-tested products, personalized care from knowledgeable physicians, and exclusive dispensary discounts, ensuring you receive safe, effective, and affordable relief. Not to mention, the tax savings are significant when you have your medical card. 

Ohio’s medical marijuana program is tailored to prioritize patients’ needs, with evolving qualifying conditions and a commitment to improving access. Whether you’re managing chronic pain, anxiety, or another condition, your medical card empowers you to shop at licensed dispensaries with confidence, knowing you’re receiving products designed specifically for therapeutic use.

Thanks to telemedicine, obtaining your card is simple, quick, and convenient. With an Ohio Marijuana Card, you can complete your evaluation and receive a recommendation on the same day, all from the comfort of home! Schedule your appointment today!

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Doctors Who Care

Relief You Can Trust

At Ohio Marijuana Card, we’re here to make the process easy and stress-free. Our team is dedicated to helping you unlock the full benefits of Ohio’s medical marijuana program while improving your overall quality of life.

Don’t wait to start feeling better. Call us at (866) 457-5559 or schedule your evaluation today, and take advantage of the many benefits a medical card has to offer!

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