(This story has been updated to reflect that the Ohio Dispute Resolution Commission is not a division of the Supreme Court of Ohio.)
An Ohio agency focused on conflict management has decided which businesses in the state are essential during the coronavirus pandemic – and retailers selling CBD are reportedly not among them.
Gov. Mike DeWine classified licensed medical marijuana cultivation facilities and dispensaries as essential businesses in a stay-home order he issued March 22.
All decisions are effective within 48 hours and are said to be final; however, the commission’s members will meet periodically to address disputes, according to The Columbus Dispatch.
The decision comes a week after the Florida and Texas chapters of the Hemp Industries Association asked mayors and county judges and commissioners to deem hemp and CBD retailers as essential businesses, alongside grocery stores and marijuana dispensaries.
One Texas CBD retailer, Fatty’s Smoke Shop in Beverly Hills, fought back on his city’s ruling, resulting in a temporary lift of the order that allowed the business to remain open and offer curbside service. Texas officials are reviewing a statewide policy.
