A federal ban on hemp THC signed into law by President Trump last week has prompted states like Ohio, Florida, and Illinois to reconsider their regulations. Ohio lawmakers are considering a blanket ban on all hemp-derived THC products, while Florida’s top law enforcement official is welcoming the move and promising a state crackdown on “illegal” hemp products. This comes as hemp operators say they need more time to pass new rules, but states are moving quickly with tougher regulations.
President Trump signed a federal bill banning hemp THC products in November 2026, prompting states to take action. While some argue that this gives them enough time to pass new regulations, others see it as an opportunity to establish stricter rules. For example, Ohio’s proposed hemp regulations would ban all intoxicating hemp-derived THC products, including low-dose beverages sold at mainstream retailers.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker had previously threatened executive action to impose a ban on hemp-derived THC in his state. Now, he is asking lawmakers to follow the federal lead and establish similar regulations. Illinois’s top law enforcement official has dropped plans for regulating hemp THC products, citing the difficulty of passing new laws given the federal ban.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis had previously vetoed a proposed hemp THC ban but now seems open to stricter regulations after President Trump signed the federal bill. The state’s top law enforcement official is welcoming the move and promising to crack down on “illegal” hemp products, indicating that Florida may follow Ohio’s lead in banning all hemp-derived THC products.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how states will respond to the federal ban on hemp THC products. One thing is certain: with tougher regulations on the horizon, hemp operators and businesses need to be prepared for a changing landscape.
Source: https://mjbizdaily.com/states-abandon-hemp-thc-regulations-after-federal-ban