At the Statehouse, health care professionals joined advocates from the hemp and cannabis sectors to voice their support for a significant legislative measure aimed at banning intoxicating hemp products throughout Ohio.
During the Senate General Government Committee meeting on Tuesday, nearly 20 individuals provided proponent testimony for Senate Bill 326. This bill, introduced earlier this month by State Sen. Steve Huffman, R-Tipp City, follows a call from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine for legislative action to manage or prohibit delta-8 THC products due to rising public health concerns.
“SB 326 is essential for ensuring the health and safety of consumers,” emphasized Lutterus, a prominent spokesperson during the hearing.
“Unlike traditional cannabis, hemp products—often marketed under the guise of being ‘natural’ or ‘wellness’ products—lack consistent manufacturing and packaging standards,” Lutterus argued, highlighting a critical gap in consumer protection.
According to a recent study by the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, 11% of high school seniors nationally and 15% of those in the Midwest reported usage of delta-8 products within the past year, raising alarms about youth exposure and potential misuse.
The bill categorizes intoxicating hemp products as those containing more than 0.5 milligrams of delta-9 THC per serving, exceeding two milligrams of delta-9 THC per package, or containing above 0.5 milligrams of total non-delta-9 THC per package. Notably, marijuana is distinct from intoxicating hemp products and remains legal within the state limits.
The 2018 Farm Bill permits the legal cultivation of hemp, provided it contains less than 0.3% THC. However, Chris Lindsey, director of state advocacy and public policy for the American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp, pointed out that the intent behind the Farm Bill did not encompass the establishment of a consumer product market.
Highlighting safety regulations, Lindsey noted that an adult serving of marijuana is typically considered to be around 10 milligrams of delta-9 THC, contrasting sharply with the unregulated products currently available on the market.
“Purchasing a gummy in a licensed Ohio dispensary subjects you to strict potency limits, designed to safeguard consumers against potential overconsumption,” Lindsey explained. He illustrated his concern by recounting a visit to a Columbus convenience store, where he discovered intoxicating hemp products including Delta-9 smashers, each claiming to possess a staggering 500 milligrams of THC per piece and 10,000 milligrams per package.
“Such a product could easily lead to an overdose in any adult,” he stated, holding up the package. “How these types of items can be allowed into the market is beyond comprehension. The most positive takeaway is that this labeling is likely inaccurate; it may simply be deceptive.”
Lutterus added that the absence of clear labeling leaves consumers uninformed about their purchases and the associated risks involved.
“If we are to permit continued sales of THC products, they must receive the same stringent oversight as our adult-use marijuana operations,” emphasized Mike Getlin, director of licensing and public affairs for Nectar Markets of Ohio. “This necessitates comprehensive surveillance over every inch of every convenience store, gas station, and vape shop within the state. Furthermore, we need accredited and regulated laboratories to conduct thorough testing of all products throughout the entire supply chain, along with tracking systems to trace them back to their original sources.”
Dr. Hannah Hays, medical director of the Central Ohio Poison Center and Chief of Toxicology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, revealed a staggering 280% increase in accidental poisonings reported to the Ohio Poison Center since 2021, coinciding with the increased availability of delta-8 THC hemp products.
“Children who access these products can exhibit severe health responses, showcasing symptoms such as hallucinations, confusion, loss of consciousness, and even respiratory failure,” Dr. Hays stated. “We receive several calls daily regarding cannabinoid exposures in children under six. Alarmingly, a quarter of these children require hospitalization, with over a third necessitating intensive care.”
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– What are the key health risks associated with delta-8 THC products that Senate Bill 326 aims to address?
**Interview with Health Advocate Lutterus on Senate Bill 326**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Lutterus, and thank you for joining us today to discuss the significant legislative measure aimed at banning intoxicating hemp products in Ohio. Can you start by giving us an overview of Senate Bill 326?
**Lutterus:** Thank you for having me. Senate Bill 326 is a crucial piece of legislation introduced by State Senator Steve Huffman, focusing on regulating and potentially banning intoxicating hemp products, particularly those containing delta-8 THC. The bill aims to protect consumers, especially children, from the dangers associated with these products, which mimick the effects of marijuana but lack strict regulatory oversight.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the health concerns surrounding delta-8 THC products. What evidence is there to support the need for such regulation?
**Lutterus:** Recent studies have raised significant alarms. For instance, data from the Keck School of Medicine shows that 11% of high school seniors nationwide, and 15% in the Midwest, reported using delta-8 products in the past year. This youth exposure particularly concerns health professionals because these products can lead to misuse and potential health risks.
**Interviewer:** Can you elaborate on how intoxicating hemp products differ from traditional cannabis?
**Lutterus:** Certainly. Unlike traditional cannabis, which is regulated with specific manufacturing and labeling standards, many hemp products—often marketed as ‘natural’ or ‘wellness’—do not have these same consistency measures. This inconsistency creates a significant gap in consumer protection, as people may not fully understand what they are consuming or the risks involved.
**Interviewer:** What does Senate Bill 326 specifically classify as an intoxicating hemp product?
**Lutterus:** The bill categorizes intoxicating hemp products as any containing more than 0.5 milligrams of delta-9 THC per serving, exceeding two milligrams per package, or containing over 0.5 milligrams of total non-delta-9 THC. It’s important to note that while marijuana is legal under specific conditions in Ohio, these unregulated hemp products could pose different risks, especially due to their high potency levels.
**Interviewer:** You also mentioned the 2018 Farm Bill and its role in this situation. Could you clarify its implications?
**Lutterus:** The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the cultivation of hemp as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC. However, it was not designed to create a consumer product market. As a result, we are now seeing a proliferation of products that can be highly concentrated and unregulated, which contradicts the original intent to promote safe cultivation and use.
**Interviewer:** Chris Lindsey from the American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp emphasized the risks of higher potency products available in stores. Can you share your thoughts on that?
**Lutterus:** Absolutely. In licensed dispensaries, an adult serving of marijuana is generally regarded as 10 milligrams of delta-9 THC, which is carefully regulated. However, I’ve come across convenience store products claiming up to 500 milligrams of THC per piece, which is a staggering amount and can lead to severe health risks, including overdose. These unregulated products pose a real risk to consumers and especially to our youth.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Lutterus, for your insights and advocacy on this important issue. As Ohio moves forward with Senate Bill 326, what would you like to say to our audience about the importance of supporting this legislation?
**Lutterus:** I urge everyone to consider the health and safety ramifications of intoxicating hemp products. Supporting Senate Bill 326 is essential for ensuring that consumers are protected, especially vulnerable populations like children. It is time for Ohio to take decisive action to safeguard public health. Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your time, Lutterus. Your advocacy is crucial as Ohio navigates these complex issues.
