Two Ohio smoke shops can continue selling hemp products despite a new state ban − at least for now.
Franklin County Judge Jeffrey Brown temporarily blocked a law that prohibited Happy Harvest and Get Wright Lounge from selling hemp-derived cannabis, according to Columbus Dispatch news partner NBC4. The April 16 ruling applies only to those businesses.
Get Wright Lounge has one location in Columbus, while Happy Harvest operates several stores around Ohio. The lawsuit attracted support from a state lawmaker who opposes the ban, according to NBC4: Rep. Jennifer Gross, R-West Chester.
Senate Bill 56, which took effect last month, restricted most hemp products, changed Ohio’s marijuana rules and banned the sale of THC drinks at breweries and grocery stores. Opponents of the law tried and failed to block it through a ballot referendum.
Since then, businesses have filed multiple lawsuits to reverse the ban. Breweries are also lobbying lawmakers to reinstate a grace period for THC beverages that Gov. Mike DeWine eliminated with his veto pen.
The Franklin County case was brought by hemp store owners who contend lawmakers improperly passed Senate Bill 56 and violated the single-subject rule, which requires bills to address one topic.
This isn’t the first win for businesses challenging the new law. A Sandusky County judge temporarily blocked local enforcement of Senate Bill 56, saying it discriminates against hemp businesses to the benefit of licensed marijuana dispensaries. That ruling didn’t have a statewide impact.
State government reporter Haley BeMiller can be reached at hbemiller@usatodayco.com or @haleybemiller on X.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Franklin County judge allows two stores to sell hemp despite state ban
Reporting by Haley BeMiller, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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