Ohio deems CBD businesses ‘non-essential’

An Ohio state agency focused on conflict management has ruled on which businesses in the state are essential during the coronavirus pandemic – and retailers selling CBD are reportedly not among them.

The Ohio Commission on Dispute Resolution, part of the state Supreme Court, has decided that businesses selling CBD products are not essential, although state-licensed medical marijuana dispensaries are deemed essential businesses.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine classified licensed medical marijuana cultivation facilities and dispensaries as essential businesses in the stay-home order issued March 22.

All decisions are effective within 48 hours and are said to be final; however, the commission’s members will meet periodically to address disputes, according to the Columbus Dispatch.

The decision comes a week after Texas and Florida chapters of the Hemp Industries Association asked mayors and county judges and commissioners to deem hemp and CBD retailers as essential businesses, alongside grocery stores and marijuana dispensaries.

One Texas CBD retailer, Fatty’s Smoke Shop in Beverly Hills, fought back on his city’s ruling, resulting in a temporary lift of the order that allowed the business to remain open and offer curbside service. Texas officials are reviewing a statewide policy.