Out-of-State Hemp Product Makers Cleared to Sell Goods in Ohio

Ohio prosecutors can’t enforce a new law against out-of-state makers of hemp-derived products that requires them to have licenses to sell their products in the state.

The provision, known as SB 56, likely violates the dormant commerce clause by treating in-state and out-of-state producers of products it defines as marijuana differently for licensing purposes, Judge Jeffrey J. Helmick of the US District Court for the Northern District of Ohio said Monday. He granted the plaintiffs a 14-day temporary restraining order against enforcement.

The dormant commerce clause prohibits states from favoring in-state providers of goods and services by treating them differently ...