Bloom Cannabis Says Ohio Hemp-Derived THC Ban Shows Importance of Licensed Dispensaries
- Bloom Cannabis highlights Ohio’s ban on hemp-derived THC products, emphasizing the need to buy marijuana through licensed dispensaries that follow state testing, labeling, and tracking regulations.
- The company stresses that licensed dispensaries provide safer, regulated products with consistent potency, ingredient transparency, and oversight by the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control, contrasting them with unregulated hemp-derived THC products.
- Bloom Cannabis is expanding marijuana education efforts in Ohio, offering in-store guidance and resources to help consumers understand the differences between regulated cannabis and unregulated hemp products amid changing state laws.
- Ohio legalized adult-use marijuana in November 2023, with sales starting in August 2024; adults 21+ can possess limited amounts of marijuana, subject to a 10% excise tax plus regular taxes on recreational purchases.
Bloom Cannabis says Ohio’s ban on hemp-derived THC products is underscoring the importance of buying marijuana products through licensed dispensaries that operate under state testing, labeling and tracking rules.
The Ohio dispensary operator, which has locations in Columbus, Akron, Painesville Township and Seven Mile, said the new restrictions have left many consumers looking for clearer information about what products remain legal, where they can be purchased and how regulated marijuana differs from hemp-derived THC products that were previously sold in less tightly controlled retail settings.
“Consumers are actively searching for clarity right now, what’s legal, what’s safe, and where to buy,” said Nicole Stark, CEO of Bloom Cannabis. “Licensed dispensaries like Bloom provide a trusted, regulated environment where customers can shop with confidence.”
Bloom said products sold through licensed dispensaries are subject to state requirements that include safety and potency testing, compliant labeling, ingredient transparency, regulated sourcing and oversight by the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control.
The company said the distinction is especially important as Ohio cracks down on hemp-derived THC products, which Bloom said have raised concerns over inconsistent potency, limited testing and misleading labeling.
“Our role goes beyond retail,” Stark said. “We’re here to educate consumers on the difference between unregulated hemp products and regulated cannabis, and why that matters.”
Bloom said it is expanding its focus on marijuana education in Ohio, including in-store guidance and educational resources for consumers navigating the state’s changing rules.
Ohio voters approved marijuana legalization in November 2023, with the law taking effect the following month. Adult-use sales began in August 2024. Adults 21 and older may possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and 15 grams of marijuana extract, with recreational purchases subject to a 10% excise tax in addition to regular state and local sales taxes.