In August 2018, The Ohio Board of Pharmacy ruled that CBD products are illegal unless sold by licensed dispensaries who are part of Ohio’s state-sanctioned medical marijuana program. “Until dispensaries are operational,” the board wrote, “no one, including board licensees, may possess or sell CBD oil or other marijuana-related products.” The first state-approved dispensaries are expected to open their doors in early 2019.
This is a common misconception in Ohio – that CBD is legal no matter where it is bought. The simple fact is that, as of July 19th, 2019, CBD is still illegal in Ohio unless purchased through a medical dispensary.
However, there is an effort underway in the Ohio Legislature to form a legal pathway for the manufacture and distribution of hemp-derived CBD products. Senate Bill 57 would set up a framework for regulating hemp cultivation and processing, which includes extracting the compound cannabidiol, or CBD. The bill passed the Ohio Senate in a 30-0 vote and went to the House for consideration.
Today – July 8th, 2019 – the Ohio House of Representatives similarly passed the law – which would permit Hemp-Derived CBD that contains less that 0.3% THC. The law will know go to Governor Mike DeWine for consideration and will become effective immediately if he signs it.
Until then – CBD is not legal in Ohio without a prescription.