Right now, it's technically illegal to buy or sell CBD (a hemp extract that contains only trace amounts of THC) in Ohio outside of the state's medicinal marijuana program. But that will probably change soon.
The Ohio House of Representatives July 17 passed Senate Bill 57 legalizing the sale of CBD and the cultivation of hemp. That could be a big boon to farmers — and to fans of CBD who credit the substance with a host of physical and psychological benefits.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine still needs to sign the bill into law. If he does, it will go into effect immediately.
Queen City Hemp is celebrating this monumental step forward with a "prohibition party." On Friday, July 19 from 4-6 p.m., thirsty folks can head to Over-the-Rhine's Findlay Market for some free drinks. The company will be handing out 2,400 of their CBD seltzers for free.
Queen City Hemp is a Cincinnati-based company that was born in 2015 after talking to patients who could’ve benefitted from medical marijuana who were left high and dry after legislation failed in Ohio. Originally hoping to break into the cannabis industry, the company’s focus turned to hemp, selling CBD oils for vaping and taking sublingually (aka under the tongue).
Their popular CBD-infused seltzer has only been on the market for about two years and comes in flavors including blood orange, passion fruit, guava and lemon lavender. It contains four ingredients: carbonated water, natural flavors, potassium sorbate (to preserve freshness) and hemp extract, the source of the CBD. There's just 5 milligrams of CBD in every 12 ounce can.
Queen City Seltzer's Prohibition Party takes place 4-6 p.m. at Findlay Market, 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine.
