Ohio Lawmakers Push to Ban Hemp Products: What This Means for You

In recent years, Ohio's cannabis landscape has undergone significant changes, with recreational marijuana sales beginning in select dispensaries on August 6, 2024. While this marks a win for marijuana enthusiasts in the state, recent legislative actions suggest that the availability of intoxicating hemp products could be at risk. 

Ohio Senate Bill 326, introduced by Republican Senator Steve Huffman, aims to ban the sale of “intoxicating hemp products,” including popular forms of hemp-derived THC like delta-8 and delta-9. This bill could have far-reaching effects on both consumers and businesses that rely on these products as legal alternatives to marijuana.

For those who depend on hemp-based products for their therapeutic or recreational needs, this new bill could mean fewer options. At the same time, Ohio’s evolving medical marijuana program provides a pathway for legal, regulated access to THC. Here’s a closer look at what the proposed hemp ban entails, its potential implications, and why obtaining a medical marijuana card could be the best choice moving forward.

Understanding Senate Bill 326

Ohio Senate Bill 326 proposes strict regulations on hemp products, classifying any product with more than 0.5 milligrams of delta-9 THC per serving or 2 milligrams per package as “intoxicating” and, therefore, illegal. 

This legislation would effectively restrict a range of hemp-derived products, such as edibles, oils, and vape cartridges, which have gained popularity for their moderate effects and legal status under the 2018 Farm Bill. The legislation specifically targets not only delta-9 THC, the main psychoactive component in marijuana, but also alternative forms like delta-8, which have become popular as legal alternatives. 

Supporters of the bill argue that the measure is necessary to protect public health and safety, particularly among youth, who may have easier access to these unregulated products. However, critics see the proposed restrictions as overreach, potentially disrupting Ohio's legal marijuana market and limiting consumers’ options for legal, regulated THC products.

The Rise of Recreational Marijuana

In response to Ohio’s marijuana reforms, certain dispensaries have begun offering recreational marijuana sales alongside their medical marijuana options. Not all dispensaries in the state are authorized to sell recreational marijuana; only those with a dual-use license can do so. For patients and consumers, this means that while the recreational market is expanding, access to dispensaries remains limited to a subset of locations across the state.

Another key factor to consider is the tax difference between recreational and medical marijuana. Recreational purchases are subject to a 10% marijuana tax, which does not apply to medical marijuana sales. For individuals who need regular access to marijuana, maintaining a medical marijuana card allows them to avoid this additional tax, leading to potential cost savings in the long run.

Medical Marijuana vs. Hemp Products

With potential restrictions on hemp-derived THC looming, a medical marijuana card offers several advantages:

• Regulated Quality and Safety: Medical marijuana products are subject to rigorous testing and regulation, ensuring that patients receive consistent, high-quality products free from harmful contaminants. In contrast, many hemp-derived products are not tested to the same standard, and SB 326 could enforce even stricter regulations.

• Higher Purchase Limits: Ohio’s medical marijuana program provides higher purchase limits than the recreational system, which could be crucial for individuals who rely on THC products for managing chronic conditions. Patients are often permitted to purchase larger quantities, helping to reduce the frequency and cost of dispensary visits.

• Cost Savings: Medical marijuana sales are exempt from the 10% recreational tax, making it a more affordable option for frequent users. While recreational users are subject to this tax, registered patients can continue to access the same products without the additional financial burden, creating significant savings over time.

• Access to a Broader Range of Products: Medical marijuana patients have access to a wider selection of products, including high-potency options and specialized formulations tailored to specific therapeutic needs. These options might not be as readily available to recreational customers, especially as the state considers restrictions on hemp-based alternatives.

  
  

Potential Impact of Senate Bill 326 on Ohio’s Marijuana Market

If Senate Bill 326 passes, Ohio's market for hemp-derived THC products could see significant limitations, affecting both consumers and small businesses that have thrived within the current legal framework. The bill could force shops to pull popular hemp products from their shelves or drastically reduce the potency of offerings, which might deter consumers who prefer these milder, legal alternatives to marijuana.

Critics argue that by removing legal, regulated hemp products from the market, the state risks pushing consumers toward the black market, where product quality and safety are often unreliable. Moreover, the bill’s urgency suggests that lawmakers are keen to enforce it quickly, framing it as an “emergency measure” to address public health concerns, especially for youth protection.

For Ohio’s cannabis industry, the proposed ban could lead to revenue losses, affecting hemp retailers and suppliers statewide. Many small businesses that built their customer base around legal hemp products may need to reconsider their product offerings, potentially impacting Ohio’s burgeoning marijuana industry as a whole.

A New Era, but Why Patients Should Still Consider Medical Marijuana

Ohio’s recreational marijuana sales represent a significant step forward for cannabis legalization advocates, yet medical marijuana still offers unique benefits that recreational customers cannot access. Here are a few reasons why patients should consider keeping their medical marijuana cards:

• Cost Efficiency: With the 10% tax on recreational marijuana, registered medical patients enjoy a tax-free purchasing experience. Over time, this can result in significant savings for patients who require regular access to marijuana for medical purposes.

• Higher Purchase Limits: Medical marijuana patients are permitted to purchase larger quantities, making it easier for them to manage their conditions without constant trips to the dispensary. Recreational users face stricter limits, which might not meet the needs of those using marijuana for ongoing health issues.

• Access to Specialized Products: Medical marijuana dispensaries often carry a broader selection of products, including high-potency strains and edibles that may not be available in recreational-only locations. This variety enables patients to find products that best meet their therapeutic needs.

  
  

Why Get a Medical Marijuana Card Now?

Given Ohio’s current legislative climate, securing a medical marijuana card might be a wise decision for those who want reliable access to THC products. With SB 326 threatening to limit hemp-derived options, a medical card ensures access to high-quality, regulated products within Ohio’s medical marijuana program. Furthermore, patients can avoid recreational tax rates and benefit from higher purchase limits and more diverse product selections.

In Ohio, medical marijuana remains a cost-effective, regulated, and safe choice amid potential changes to hemp product regulations. While the recreational market offers new opportunities for legal access, the benefits of a medical card, such as lower costs, product variety, and regulated quality, make it a valuable asset for Ohioans who use marijuana for medical or therapeutic purposes.

Final Thoughts

As Ohio lawmakers continue to evaluate the place of hemp and marijuana within the state, consumers should stay informed about potential restrictions and new legislation that could impact their access to THC products. For now, obtaining a medical marijuana card provides an effective way to navigate Ohio’s complex marijuana landscape, offering security in access, financial savings, and product reliability that recreational sales may not fully support.

Ohio’s journey in marijuana reform is evolving rapidly. For those who value safe, regulated access to marijuana, the medical marijuana program remains an essential option, ensuring that patients can continue to access the products they need, regardless of potential restrictions on hemp-based alternatives.

Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today!

Ohio continues to expand its medical marijuana program and make residents’ lives easier by passing new progressive legislation. The addition of new qualifying conditions means that many more people will now be eligible for their medical card.

If you think you could benefit from medical marijuana, there is a good chance you qualify!

You need your medical card to access any of Ohio’s medical dispensaries. Not to worry, because it is now easier than ever to get your card with Ohio Marijuana Card!

In Ohio, there are many conditions that may make you eligible for medical marijuana, and we hope the program continues to expand by adding more conditions soon! If you have questions about whether you qualify, we can help with that too!

In order to visit a dispensary in the State of Ohio, you will need your medical marijuana card. With telemedicine, you can even get your card from the comfort of your own home!

If you don’t already have your card, we can help! You can even have your appointment and recommendation on the same day!

Schedule an appointment with one of our physicians today to see if you qualify.

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Doctors Who Care.

Relief You Can Trust.

Here at Ohio Marijuana Card, our goal is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.

If you have any questions, call us at (866) 457-5559, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!