A judge in Ohio just stopped a new ban on intoxicating hemp products from taking effect, giving stores a short break. This move comes after retailers sued the governor, claiming he went too far. What does this mean for businesses and buyers? Read on to find out the details behind this fast-moving legal fight.
An Ohio judge has put a temporary hold on Governor Mike DeWine’s order banning the sale of intoxicating hemp products. Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge Carl Aveni issued the ruling on October 14, 2025, pausing the 90-day ban for at least 14 days. This decision lets stores keep selling items like THC drinks and gummies while a lawsuit plays out.
The block gives retailers some breathing room, but a full hearing is set for October 28. Three businesses filed the suit, arguing the governor overstepped his power and hurt their operations. They include Titan Logistics Group from Cleveland, Fumee Smoke & Vape from West Chester, and Invicta Nutraceuticals from Cincinnati.
This all started when DeWine signed an executive order last week, aiming to pull these products off shelves starting October 15. The judge’s pause came just in time, stopping what could have been chaos for many small shops.
One key point in the ruling? The judge said the ban caused too much harm without clear proof of danger.
Why Retailers Are Fighting Back
Retailers say the ban throws their businesses into turmoil. They claim DeWine’s order violates the separation of powers and lacks real evidence of health risks. For many, these hemp products make up a big chunk of sales, and pulling them could force layoffs or even closures.
Take local CBD shops and breweries. Owners have shared stories of heartbreak, worried about losing customers who rely on these items for things like pain relief. One report highlights how the ban would make it illegal to sell but okay to own and use the products, creating confusion for everyone.
Businesses argue there’s no solid proof that intoxicating hemp poses a big threat to kids or public health. They point out that Ohio already has rules for cannabis, and hemp fits into a gray area that DeWine is trying to close without lawmakers’ input.
In the lawsuit, the companies say the sudden order caused “chaos for the industry.” They want the court to strike it down for good.
This fight shows the tension between quick government action and business rights.
Governor’s Push for the Ban
Governor Mike DeWine issued the emergency order on October 9, 2025, calling intoxicating hemp a danger, especially to children. He argued these products skirt Ohio’s regulated marijuana market and often end up in kids’ hands, packaged like candy.
DeWine’s team says the ban protects public safety during a 90-day review. They point to concerns about unregulated THC levels in items like delta-8 gummies and drinks.
Officials worry these hemp goods are too easy for minors to get, bypassing age checks in licensed dispensaries. The governor has pushed for tighter rules since Ohio voters legalized recreational marijuana in 2023, but lawmakers have dragged their feet.
Supporters of the ban say it’s a needed step to fix loopholes. Yet critics call it an overreach, noting hemp is legal under federal law from the 2018 Farm Bill.
DeWine’s move follows similar debates in other states, where governors have cracked down on synthetic cannabinoids.
Here’s a quick look at the key differences:
| Product Type | Regulated in Ohio? | THC Source |
|---|---|---|
| Marijuana | Yes, via state program | Cannabis plant |
| Intoxicating Hemp | No, until ban | Hemp plant with delta-8/THC |
| CBD (non-intoxicating) | Yes, widely available | Hemp without high THC |
This table shows why the ban targets only the “intoxicating” kinds.
What Happens Next for Hemp in Ohio
The temporary block runs until at least October 28, when the court hears more arguments. If the judge sides with retailers, the ban could get tossed out. But if not, stores might have to clear shelves fast.
Experts say this case could set rules for how Ohio handles hemp long-term. With recreational weed now legal, the state is figuring out how to blend old and new markets.
A loss for DeWine might push lawmakers to act, creating clearer laws instead of executive orders. Retailers hope for that, saying fair rules would help everyone.
Meanwhile, buyers can still grab these products, but they should watch for updates. The outcome affects thousands of jobs and millions in sales.
This ruling adds to ongoing talks about drug policy in Ohio, where voters want choice but leaders stress safety.
Ohio’s hemp drama highlights bigger questions about regulation and freedom in a changing market. It leaves many wondering if quick bans help or hurt in the end.