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Sandusky Today
By the People, for the People
Judge Blocks Ohio's Hemp Beverage Ban
Ruling says THC is THC, regardless of source plant
Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:25pm
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A legal ruling challenges Ohio's attempt to regulate hemp-derived THC more strictly than marijuana-derived THC, despite the compounds being chemically identical.Sandusky TodayA Sandusky County judge has temporarily blocked enforcement of Ohio's ban on intoxicating hemp beverages, ruling that the law discriminates based on the source of the THC rather than the chemical compound itself. The judge found the law treats similar products differently depending on whether they are sold through licensed marijuana dispensaries or other retailers.
Why it matters
The ruling challenges Ohio's attempt to regulate hemp-derived THC more strictly than marijuana-derived THC, despite the compounds being chemically identical. This could open the door for more legal challenges to the state's hemp regulations.
The details
The lawsuit was filed by North Fork Distribution, a Seattle-based company that sells the Cycling Frog brand of hemp beverages. The judge ruled that Ohio's law creating an 'absurd double standard' - allowing THC from marijuana but banning it from hemp - was inherently discriminatory and lacked common sense.
- On April 13, 2026, a Sandusky County judge issued a ruling blocking enforcement of Ohio's ban on intoxicating hemp beverages.
The players
Judge Jeremiah Ray
The Sandusky County judge who ruled against Ohio's hemp beverage ban, finding it discriminatory.
North Fork Distribution
A Seattle-based company that sells the Cycling Frog brand of hemp beverages and filed the lawsuit challenging Ohio's ban.
Dave Yost
The Ohio Attorney General who has filed a request to intervene in the case, signaling the state plans to fight the ruling.
What they’re saying
“What the judge did, I think was just common sense. He's saying, 'Look, THC is THC. So saying the THC derived from marijuana is okay, but the same compound derived from a different, different plant, a variation of the plant, is not okay makes no sense.'”
— Chris Quinn, Host, Today in Ohio podcast
“Pretty much every bill they pass, they violate that one.”
— Chris Quinn, Host, Today in Ohio podcast
What’s next
Attorney General Dave Yost has filed a request to intervene in the case, signaling that the state plans to fight this ruling and defend the law. Other lawsuits challenging the hemp beverage ban on different grounds are also pending.
The takeaway
This ruling highlights the legal and regulatory challenges Ohio faces in trying to treat hemp-derived THC differently from marijuana-derived THC, despite the compounds being chemically identical. The decision could open the door for further legal challenges to the state's hemp regulations.
