Ohio Bans Hemp Beverages, Breweries Urge Legislative Override

Lawmakers could quickly restore legality, but House Speaker hesitant to act

Mar. 27, 2026 at 11:20am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine used a line-item veto to ban hemp-based beverages in the state, shocking the industry. Nine Ohio breweries that invested in producing the legal drinks are now urging consumers to pressure lawmakers to override the veto before jobs and tax revenue disappear. However, House Speaker Matt Huffman is reluctant to hold a vote, despite claims from breweries that they have enough votes to override the veto.

Why it matters

The ban on hemp beverages goes against the will of Ohio residents and federal law, which currently allows the drinks. Thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions in tax revenue are at stake if the industry is forced to shut down, especially as breweries have already invested in producing the legal products.

The details

Governor DeWine's line-item veto removed an exception in Ohio law that had kept hemp beverages legal through the end of 2026, when a federal ban is set to take effect. Nine Ohio breweries, including Great Lakes Brewing Company and Saucy Brew Works, are now asking customers to urge lawmakers to override the veto. They claim they have enough votes, but House Speaker Matt Huffman says he needs 60 Republican votes and only counts about 30 so far, refusing to consider an override until the Senate acts first. The breweries are now moving their hemp beverage inventory out of state to the 39 states where the drinks remain legal.

  • On March 24, 2026, Governor DeWine used a line-item veto to ban hemp beverages in Ohio.
  • The federal ban on hemp beverages is set to take effect at the end of 2026.

The players

Mike DeWine

The Governor of Ohio who used a line-item veto to ban hemp beverages in the state.

Matt Huffman

The Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives, who is reluctant to hold a vote to override the Governor's veto.

Great Lakes Brewing Company

An Ohio brewery that invested in producing legal hemp beverages and is now urging consumers to pressure lawmakers.

Saucy Brew Works

An Ohio brewery that invested in producing legal hemp beverages and is now urging consumers to pressure lawmakers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Mike DeWine pulled the fast one. It was wrong. It goes against the will of the people. It closes down an industry that was providing a lot of jobs and it's more strict than the federal government.”

— Chris Quinn, Podcast Host

What’s next

The Ohio legislature could quickly vote to override Governor DeWine's veto and restore the legality of hemp beverages in the state. However, House Speaker Matt Huffman has expressed reluctance to hold such a vote until the Senate acts first.

The takeaway

This case highlights the tension between state and federal policies on emerging industries like hemp beverages. The ban threatens thousands of jobs and millions in tax revenue, despite federal law allowing these products. Ohio lawmakers have a chance to quickly reverse course and align state law with federal regulations, but political roadblocks remain.