Ohio, Texas Advance Significant Hemp Regulation Bills

Lawmakers in both Ohio and Texas are moving forward with legislation to tighten regulations on the sale of intoxicating hemp products. The Ohio Senate unanimously passed a bill that would restrict the sale of these products to licensed dispensaries, impose age limits, and introduce excise and sales taxes, aiming to protect children and standardize safety measures. Similarly, a Texas House panel advanced a bill to allow regulated sales of certain hemp products, such as drinks and edibles with reduced THC content, while banning synthetic THC and requiring child-resistant packaging; sales would also be limited to those 21 and older and prohibited near schools. The Texas measure is seen as a compromise, stopping short of an outright ban favored by some state leaders. Both states' efforts reflect growing concern over unregulated psychoactive hemp products and their appeal to minors, with bipartisan support emphasizing consumer safety and industry oversight.