With Ohio’s recreational marijuana law active, Governor Mike DeWine is expressing concern over a legal loophole.
Currently, some edible items are on the market for sale that include a modified version of hemp, known as Delta 8 THC. The products can produce a similar high as marijuana products but have also produced a number of poisonings in the state.
Joining the governor, during a Wednesday press conference, was Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Andy Wilson, who said that the compound comes from legally produced hemp, and is marketed as candy, cereal, gummies, or other sweet treats.
“These products are absolutely being designed and marketed to kids. Furthermore, this completely unregulated form of Delta 8 THC, if I’m a teenager, it can get me high or impaired to the point of where I can no longer safely operate a car, and if I’m no careful, these products can make me sick or put me in the ER.”
Products that include “intoxicating hemp” are not regulated, and therefore are not prevented from being sold to children.
A bill is reportedly being formulated which would close that loophole and prevent sales to underage youths in the state.
In 2023, a total of 102 Delta 8 THC poisonings were reported. Forty of the poisonings last year involved children younger than six years of age.
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