Roundtable Roundup: Testimony in Ohio, Missouri Comments, Tennessee Final Rules, and Texas Ban Bill Incoming

Ohio Senate Debates Intoxicating Hemp Product Regulations

This week, the Ohio Senate General Government Committee held a hearing on Senate Bill 326, which proposes sweeping restrictions on hemp-derived products. If passed, the bill would set arbitrarily low THC limits, effectively banning most hemp products in Ohio and dealing a devastating blow to small businesses, jobs, and tax revenue across the state.

Jonathan Miller, General Counsel for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, delivered powerful testimony opposing the bill. He explained that the proposed limits—0.5mg THC per serving and 2mg THC per package—would make common hemp products, such as CBD oils, hemp-infused beverages, and topical applications, illegal despite their safe and lawful use in Ohio for years. Miller stressed that prohibition would not only jeopardize legitimate businesses but also create an unregulated underground market, exacerbating safety concerns.

Instead of a ban, Miller advocated for a balanced regulatory framework, including age restrictions, licensing for manufacturers and sellers, independent testing of products, and clear labeling requirements. He urged lawmakers to follow the lead of other states that have successfully implemented such measures, protecting consumers while preserving the livelihoods of hemp businesses. He emphasized the U.S. Hemp Roundtable’s willingness to collaborate with Ohio legislators to develop regulations rooted in science and fairness.

Watch the Hearing
If you missed the hearing and would like to tune in to see Jonathan’s testimony, you can watch the video archive of the hearing here. You can also read an excellent recap of the hearing from Hannah News Service here. 

Take Action
Ohio hemp supporters, your voice is needed now more than ever. Senate Bill 326 is moving quickly through the legislative process. Visit our State Action Center to send a message to your legislators. Urge them to oppose the bill’s harmful provisions and consider the U.S. Hemp Roundtable’s proposed alternative, which ensures consumer safety while allowing businesses to thrive.

Together, we can protect Ohio’s hemp industry, safeguard consumers, and create responsible regulations that keep intoxicating products out of children’s hands.

Missouri Comments

The Roundtable recently submitted comments opposing a proposed rule in Missouri that would prohibit hemp and cannabinoid products from being sold in liquor-licensed facilities.

The proposed rule confuses hemp and marijuana, exceeds the regulatory agency’s authority, and end runs the outgoing Governor’s failed attempt to do the same thing earlier this year. The Roundtable’s comments urge the agency to rescind the proposed rule so that the legislature can take up the issue. The Roundtable’s comments can be viewed here.

Tennessee Final Rules

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture issued permanent rules for hemp producers and retailers and suppliers of hemp-derived cannabinoid products. The permanent rules will replace emergency rules that were issued in June and that were challenged in court earlier this year.

Many public comments opposed the permanent rules’ requirement for testing hemp for THC and THCA. The permanent rules also require all hemp-derived cannabinoid products to be stored behind the counter, except topicals and products sold in stores that are limited to persons who are 21 or older (i.e., liquor stores). 

The permanent rules become effective December 26, 2024.

Texas Ban Bill Incoming

Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who controls the Texas Senate, announced he will pursue legislation banning all forms of consumable THC. The bill will be one of Patrick’s top priorities in the next legislative session, which starts in January. 

Defeating this effort will be one of the top priorities of the US Hemp Roundtable – stay tuned, we will be calling on all Hemp Supporters for assistance.