Ohio Governor Defends Ban on Hemp-Based THC Beverages

DeWine says businesses knew the legal risks when they started selling the popular drinks.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:31pm

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Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has defended his decision to veto a provision that would have allowed hemp-based THC beverages to remain on sale through the end of 2026. DeWine signed a law in December that will effectively ban these products in the state starting in mid-March. The governor said businesses selling the drinks knew they were operating in a legal gray area and took a chance, despite the risks involved.

Why it matters

The ban on hemp-based THC beverages has impacted small businesses across Ohio that have embraced these popular products. While DeWine acknowledges the impact on these companies, he maintains that they were aware of the legal uncertainty surrounding the drinks and decided to sell them anyway.

The details

DeWine signed Senate Bill 56 into law in December, which will greatly restrict intoxicating hemp products, including hemp beverages, and adjust Ohio's recreational marijuana laws. The law sets allowable THC levels so low that it would effectively ban these hemp-based drinks. DeWine vetoed a provision that would have allowed the beverages containing up to 5 milligrams of THC to remain on sale through the end of 2026, meaning they will become illegal when the law takes effect in mid-March.

  • DeWine signed Senate Bill 56 into law in December 2025.
  • The new law restricting hemp-based THC beverages will take effect in mid-March 2026.

The players

Mike DeWine

The Governor of Ohio who signed the law banning hemp-based THC beverages in the state.

Great Lakes Brewing Company

A local brewery in Ohio that has recently begun debuting a line of THC-infused beverages inspired by classic soda shop flavors.

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What they’re saying

“These are small businesses, I get it. But these are also small businesses that knew all the way through that this, this was on very, very, very thin ice that this was ever going to be approved in the state of Ohio.”

— Mike DeWine, Governor of Ohio (cleveland.com)

“DeWine decided his opinions were more important than his constituents and made a unilateral decision to put craft beer and those companies doing Hemp beverages the right way in a terrible position.”

— Chris Brown, Co-CEO, Great Lakes Brewing Company (cleveland.com)

What’s next

DeWine said he's willing to have conversations with legislators about the legalization of hemp-based THC beverages, but acknowledged that he would enter those discussions with his own biases.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension between businesses embracing new hemp-based products and state governments seeking to regulate them. While DeWine defends the ban, citing legal risks, businesses argue the governor is prioritizing his own opinions over the interests of his constituents.