Still no action on DeWine's call for 'diet weed' regulation

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A call to action from Gov. Mike DeWine nearly seven months ago to regulate delta 8 THC products still has no legislative answer.

Delta 8 is a low-level THC product, sometimes known as “diet weed.” Right now, it is completely unregulated, meaning, in part, anyone at any age can buy it. When DeWine first urged the legislature to act, he said he worried about the packaging some Delta-8 products come in, with some looking like candy or cereal, and DeWine said it is too appealing to kids.

But since then and despite support on both sides of the aisle and both chambers at the Statehouse to, at the very least, put age restrictions in place, no bill has been passed. Senate Bill 278 would create restrictions, and was introduced back in May, but has yet to have a hearing. That is an extensive bill that also deals with adult-use marijuana and creates a public smoking and vaping ban.

Now there is also House Bill 642 introduced by Rep. Sara Carruthers (R-Hamilton) to specifically address hemp products. 

“It just makes sense,” she said. “It's a no-brainer. I don't think anyone wants to hurt their public. They just want it to be safe and sometimes restrictions are necessary.”

Her new House Bill 642 would task the Ohio Department of Agriculture with studying the product, then creating a report to set temporary rules about age restrictions, where delta 8 can be sold, and testing standards. A penalty would also be enacted for selling adult-use hemp products to minors.

“I understand the idea of delta 8, delta 9, of not wanting the same buzz as, per se, straight cannabis,” Carruthers said. “I do understand that, wouldn't do it, but I understand it. But I think anything can be put on there that could be harmful to your health. And that's scary to me.”

Carruthers said the idea of this bill is to give the Department of Agriculture some jurisdiction in this area, while more permanent rules and laws are worked on.

“I trust them,” she said. “It gives them power to make temporary rules around hemp, delta 8, and I think that's been needed for some time and we just didn't realize it.” 

Carruthers does not believe that producers of hemp products in Ohio should worry about their bottom line.

“Because I think if they produce it, chances are good they're using the correct ingredients,” she said. “I think the people overseas should be concerned because I'm always scared of overseas products.”

Right now, the Ohio Senate is not scheduled to come back before November, and the Ohio House still has not posted its schedule. So, as far as action goes, the bill may not move forward for several months.

DeWine, when asked if he would bring the legislature back before a third scheduled return, said, “Don’t know yet, don’t know yet. I don’t really know.”