Key Highlights
- Ohio’s ban on intoxicating hemp products is temporarily blocked until December 2, 2025.
- Governor Mike DeWine’s executive order faces legal challenges for allegedly violating state and federal hemp laws.
- The Ohio hemp industry welcomes the court’s decision and seeks a fair regulatory framework.
Judge Extends Order Blocking Ohio Hemp Ban
The Franklin County Court of Common Pleas has extended a restraining order that temporarily halts Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s executive order banning the sale of intoxicating hemp products.
Judge Carl Aveni ruled that the temporary restraining order (TRO) will remain in effect until December 2, 2025, pausing the enforcement of the ban across the state. The initial TRO, which lasted 14 days, was granted earlier this month following legal challenges from hemp businesses and advocacy groups.
Governor DeWine had announced the executive order on October 8, 2025, arguing that intoxicating hemp products endanger young people.
“These products are marketed and sold to kids despite their potential impact on developing brains,” DeWine said. “When Ohio voters legalized marijuana, they supported a tightly regulated system limited to licensed dispensaries for adults 21 and older. Intoxicating hemp products bypass these laws entirely.”
Hemp Industry Applauds the Court’s Decision
The U.S. Hemp Roundtable praised the court’s decision to extend the TRO, emphasizing that it protects small businesses and consumers while allowing time to create sensible regulations.
“We’re pleased with Judge Aveni’s decision,” said Jonathan Miller, General Counsel of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable. “Our goal is to work with Ohio lawmakers to build a strong regulatory framework that keeps adult-use products away from minors while supporting farmers, small businesses, and consumers.”
The organization confirmed that the governor’s order remains blocked while the lawsuit moves forward.
Hemp Businesses Challenge the Ban
Several Ohio-based businesses, including Titan Logistic Group, Fumee Smoke and Vape, and Invicta Partners, joined the lawsuit against Governor DeWine’s order. The plaintiffs argue that the ban violates state and federal hemp laws, particularly the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp products containing less than 0.3% THC.
According to the Ohio Capital Journal, intoxicating hemp products include THC-infused items sold outside of licensed cannabis dispensaries, such as at gas stations, vape shops, and CBD stores.
Ohio legalized recreational cannabis in 2023, and more than 4,000 small businesses now sell hemp-based products statewide.
Lawmakers Introduce Major Changes to Ohio Cannabis Law
In a related development, Ohio lawmakers have proposed a substitute version of Senate Bill 56 (SB 56), aiming to revise parts of the state’s recently approved adult-use cannabis law.
According to NORML, the new version of SB 56 would:
- Prohibit consumers from possessing out-of-state cannabis products, even if legally purchased elsewhere.
- Limit home cultivation to six plants and cap harvested flower at 2.5 ounces, with felony penalties for violations.
- Impose new THC potency limits on adult-use and medical cannabis products.
- Restrict the number of retail cannabis licenses statewide.
- Create an expedited pathway for expunging cannabis-related convictions.
- Regulate certain hemp-derived products and redirect tax revenues to local municipalities.
Critics argue that these restrictions go beyond what voters approved in 2023 and could negatively impact both hemp and cannabis businesses across Ohio.
Conclusion
The extension of the restraining order marks a temporary victory for the Ohio hemp industry. As the legal battle continues, industry leaders and lawmakers will work toward a balanced regulatory system that protects public health while supporting economic growth and consumer access.
The next court hearing is expected before the December 2, 2025 deadline.