The Ohio Hemp Ban & What It Means for Delta-9 Beverages

October 24, 2025

When news broke that Ohio Governor Mike DeWine declared an emergency ban on intoxicating hemp products, a lot of folks in the hemp world perked up their ears — us included.

At first glance, it sounds like the end of hemp-derived beverages in the Buckeye State. But once you dig in, there’s a little more to the story — and even a bright spot for responsibly crafted Delta-9 beverages like the ones we offer at Howdy.

Quick timeline

Oct 8, 2025: The Governor issued an executive order targeting “intoxicating hemp” sales in Ohio.
Oct 14, 2025: A judge blocked the executive order, so it’s not in effect.
Oct 22, 2025: The Ohio House passed SB 56, a beverage carveout bill that sets clear, consumer-friendly rules for hemp-derived Delta-9 beverages in mainstream channels.

Why this matters: even though the order is blocked right now, it’s been used to press the legislature to act. The movement on SB 56 is the action.

What SB 56’s beverage carveout means for you

In plain terms, SB 56 creates two types of regulated hemp beverages:

Low-level drinkable cannabinoid products (DCPs)

Up to 5mg total THC per serving (from hemp), one serving per container; serving is 12 fl oz.
These are not considered “intoxicating hemp products.”

High-level drinkable cannabinoid products (DCPs)

Over 5mg and up to 10mg total THC per serving, one serving per container; serving is 12 fl oz.
Also not considered “intoxicating hemp products.”

Where you can buy & enjoy them (if SB 56 becomes law):

On-premise (bars & restaurants): Low-level (≤5mg) beverages may be sold for consumption on site by low-level retailers (A-1-A, A-1c, or class D permit holders).
Off-premise (grocery & convenience): Low-level or high-level (≤10mg) beverages may be sold for take-home by high-level retailers (class C permit holders).

That aligns with what consumers have been asking for: 5mg on-premise choices in bars, and up to 10mg for off-premise in mainstream channels.

Age checks, ID, and mixing with alcohol

21+ only and ID required for any DCP sale.
No alcohol in DCPs (they’re non-alcoholic by rule).

Open-container basics (so you don’t get dinged)

Low-level DCPs: You can possess an opened low-level DCP on the premises of a low-level retailer (where you bought it). Otherwise, standard open-container rules apply—not in public or in/around vehicles.
Intoxicating hemp beverages (not DCPs): There are limited carveouts (e.g., at a private residence or in certain limo situations), but DCPs are designed to be the compliant consumer path.

What to expect next

The House has passed SB 56.
The Senate still needs to pass the bill. If the chambers disagree, it heads to conference committee—where key provisions (like the 5mg on-premise and ≤10mg off-premise rules) could be changed or removed, or the bill could stall out.
We’ll keep you posted as it moves.

What Howdy Stands For

At Sip Howdy, we’ve always believed hemp beverages deserve the same care and standards as any other craft drink. Every can is made with hemp-derived Delta-9 THC (≤0.3%), third-party tested for purity and consistency, and always intended for 21+ adult enjoyment.

We welcome states like Ohio working toward rules that protect consumers while keeping responsible hemp innovation alive.