House Bill 198 and the Future of Hemp in Ohio: A Balanced Path Forward

Ohio’s hemp industry is on the brink of major change. With House Bill 198 (HB198) on the table, retailers, consumers, and advocates are eager to understand what this legislation could mean for the future of hemp-based products across the state. Unlike other legislative proposals, HB198 sets itself apart by offering a thoughtful, balanced approach to regulation that values public safety without stifling business growth.

This blog dives into the key differences between HB198 and Senate Bill 86 (SB86), highlights the merits of HB198’s middle-ground philosophy, and explores why this bill could be the solution Ohio’s diverse hemp community has been seeking.

Setting the Stage: Why Hemp Regulation Matters

Hemp-derived products, from CBD oils to edibles to Delta-8 THC, have exploded in popularity. Ohio’s booming retail market serves consumers seeking alternatives for wellness, relaxation, and pain relief. But as the range of hemp products expands, the patchwork of regulatory frameworks has left gaps around safety, age limits, and business clarity.

Recent policy debates have intensified around how the state should manage hemp. On one side are calls for stricter controls, citing concerns about underage access and product quality. On the other are industry voices warning that over-regulation could drive small businesses out and limit consumer choices.

HB198 vs. SB86: What’s the Difference?

The legislative landscape features two main proposals:

• Senate Bill 86 (SB86): Known for its sweeping restrictions, SB86 would ban nearly all intoxicating hemp products, regardless of dosage, packaging, or retail protocols. The bill has raised alarms across Ohio’s hemp business community, igniting fears about loss of income, layoffs, and reduced access for responsible adult consumers.

• House Bill 198 (HB198): HB198 acknowledges public safety concerns but avoids a prohibitionist stance. It aims to implement robust age restrictions and safety protocols without dismantling the hemp retail sector.

SB86: Too Far, Too Fast?

SB86 takes a hardline approach. Its core features include:

• Banning sales of any hemp products capable of causing intoxication.

• Imposing harsh penalties on retailers.

• Targeting cannabinoids like Delta-8 and Delta-10, often lumped together with high-THC cannabis despite distinct regulatory status.

Impact: Retailers argue this is a near-total ban that would shutter legitimate businesses. Thousands of jobs and millions in state tax revenue are at stake if the market contracts overnight.

HB198: Striking a Middle Ground

HB198 stands out by accepting reality over ideology. Its key tenets:

• Age Restrictions: Only adults 21 and over can purchase intoxicating hemp products.

• Childproof Packaging: Mandates that any intoxicating hemp product must be sold in tamper-evident, child-resistant packaging.

• Manufacturing and Testing Standards: Enforces rigorous safety protocols, including batch testing for potency and contaminants, plus accurate product labeling.

• Retail Protocols: Requires retailers to verify age, conduct in-store or online compliance checks, and maintain transparency throughout the supply chain.

• Clarity for Businesses: Offers guidance and compliance pathways so companies large and small know how to operate within the law.

Impact: Instead of criminalizing the entire category, HB198 empowers responsible businesses, protects consumers, and addresses underage access without stifling innovation or market growth.

Safety and Responsibility Without the Backlash

Where SB86 might deliver a shock to Ohio’s economy, HB198’s incremental, safety-first model has broader support among both industry players and consumer advocates.

Protecting Consumers (Especially Young People)

Hemp edibles and vapes can look appealing to teenagers, and recent reports of accidental ingestion or misuse highlight real risks. HB198’s age limit and packaging requirements make these scenarios less likely, aligning with best practices in alcohol and tobacco sales.

Boosting Consumer Confidence

By imposing quality and safety benchmarks, HB198 reassures consumers about the purity and potency of what they’re buying. Reliable labeling and batch testing mean fewer surprises and safer experiences for everyone—from seasoned CBD fans to newcomers exploring wellness alternatives.

Keeping Ohio’s Hemp Market Thriving

The bill’s clear compliance rules help responsible businesses grow. Instead of penalizing everyone for the missteps of a few, HB198 equips the industry with the structure it needs to compete, innovate, and meet demand.

Why HB198 Makes Sense for Ohio Stakeholders

For Retailers

• Adaptable Compliance: Structured guidelines make it easier to train staff and update processes without drastic overhauls.

• Business Continuity: HB198 doesn’t risk putting you out of business. It enables you to serve adult customers while keeping minors safe.

• Reputation Management: By supporting safeguards, you position your store as a responsible community partner.

For Consumers

• Access to Choices: Adults still have access to a broad spectrum of hemp products.

• Safety & Transparency: Clear labels and third-party lab results give peace of mind.

For Ohio’s Economy

• Job Security: Maintains thousands of jobs in retail, cultivation, and distribution.

• Tax Revenue: Keeps hemp product sales within the legitimate, taxable market, supporting state programs and infrastructure.

For Industry Advocates

• Model Legislation: HB198 could serve as a model for other states, demonstrating how public health priorities and market freedoms can coexist.

• Constructive Dialogue: Avoids the extremes of total bans or outright deregulation, forging a path for reasonable compromise.

How HB198 Addresses Key Concerns

Age Verification

HB198 requires verified, 21+ age checks at the point of sale, both in-store and online. Penalties for violations are clearly defined, deterring noncompliance.

Packaging and Presentation

Tamper-evident, childproof packaging is not just a safety feature but also a signal to regulators and parents that the industry takes its responsibilities seriously.

Product Quality

Mandatory batch testing for contaminants (like pesticides and heavy metals) and potency guarantees quality, safety, and compliance. Products that fail tests cannot be sold.

Labeling

Labels must list active cannabinoids, dosage instructions, and warnings about effects and usage. This supports informed decisions and reduces accidental misuse.

Moving Forward Together

Ohio stands at a crossroads. Overregulation invites black market risks and stifles small business, while inadequate oversight threatens public safety. HB198 charts a smarter path by applying lessons learned from alcohol and tobacco regulation to the unique challenges of the hemp market.

For hemp retailers, HB198 provides an achievable compliance roadmap. For consumers, it means safer, more predictable choices. And for Ohio as a whole, it safeguards jobs, tax revenue, and the goodwill of industry advocates without sacrificing safety.

Be Heard and Stay Engaged

If you care about the future of hemp retail, now is the time to pay attention. Contact your representative, share your story, or join advocacy groups to make your voice count. Visit the Ohio Legislature website for updates, and support organizations that champion balanced reform.

A thriving, safe hemp industry is within reach. By supporting pragmatic, balanced legislation like HB198, Ohio’s hemp community can secure a strong, sustainable future for retailers, businesses, and consumers alike.