Ohio craft brewers are actively seeking to override Governor Mike DeWine’s recent ban on THC-infused beverages. The prohibition, enacted through a line-item veto, has jeopardized a growing market that provided a financial lifeline for many breweries.

The Rise of THC Beverages and the Governor's Veto

THC drinks gained popularity as consumer tastes shifted, with mocktails and non-alcoholic beers gaining traction alongside traditional brews. Breweries like Great Lakes Brewing Company saw THC beverages as a crucial revenue source amid industry headwinds. Great Lakes Brewing’s “Float Shoppe” was projected to generate $4 million annually.

However, Governor DeWine vetoed a provision that would have allowed breweries and bars to continue selling THC drinks through the end of the year. This decision relegated intoxicating hemp-derived drinks and edibles to licensed dispensaries, creating a significant challenge for craft brewers who had already invested in this market.

Impact on Ohio Breweries

Christopher Brown, co-owner of Great Lakes Brewing, co-founded Save Ohio Bevs, an advocacy group dedicated to restoring the legal sale of THC drinks. He emphasized the importance of this growing category, stating, “And it’s the only thing that’s growing—the category that none of us can actually participate in.”

Breweries like Rhinegeist (Fuzzy Bones) and Saucy Brew Works (Bloom) had also benefited from THC beverage sales. The ban came after Float Shoppe began production, with 6,000 cases ready to ship from the Strongsville warehouse in February. Great Lakes Brewing had even been forced to lay off workers prior to the ban.

Lobbying Efforts and Potential Override

Since October, Brown and representatives from a dozen other Ohio breweries have been lobbying state and federal officials. Save Ohio Bevs launched a public petition, gathering 14,611 signatures as of Monday, aiming to influence lawmakers.

An override of the Governor’s veto requires a three-fifths majority in both the Ohio House and Senate. Lawmakers have until December 31st to vote on the override. Governor DeWine justified his veto as a preemptive measure ahead of a potential federal ban in November, citing differences in how THC and alcohol are metabolized.

Mark Oprea, a staff writer at Scene, reported on the situation, highlighting the financial implications for Ohio’s craft brewing industry.