Great Lakes, Ohio Breweries Urge Legislative Override Vote on THC Beverage Bill

Advocacy campaign directs Ohio residents to the Save Ohio Bevs website to make their voices heard.

CLEVELAND, Mar. 24, 2026 – Major breweries across the state are driving the effort, including Great Lakes Brewing Company, Fifty West, Rhinegeist, Urban Artifact, Seventh Son, Land-Grant, Wolf’s Ridge, Saucy Brew Works, and Jackie O’s.

These Ohio businesses, employees, and consumers are mobilizing to protect the future of hemp-derived THC beverages in the state, launching a coordinated advocacy campaign encouraging residents to visit SaveOhioBevs dot com and contact their elected officials about overriding the Governor’s veto in SB 56, which removed provisions allowing for regulated hemp beverage sales.

“We anticipated that reaching 1,000 supporters would take time. Ohioans surpassed that milestone in under 30 minutes, demonstrating both the importance of this issue and the speed at which this movement is growing.”

- Bobby Slattery, Founder, Fifty West Brewing Company

The campaign follows Governor Mike DeWine’s line-item veto of portions of Senate Bill 56 that had established a regulatory framework for low-dose THC beverages. The language had previously passed both the Ohio House and Senate with bipartisan support and was designed to create clear standards for manufacturing oversight, age restrictions, and distribution through licensed establishments.

Advocates say the veto disrupts lawmakers’ efforts to regulate an already active consumer market. Industry stakeholders believe sufficient legislative support exists to override the veto, but legislative leadership must first bring the measure to the floor. The advocacy initiative aims to demonstrate broad public and business support across Ohio.

A Call to Action for Ohio Residents

Through SaveOhioBevs dot com, Ohio residents can identify their State Representative and State Senator and send a message urging legislative leaders to schedule an override vote. The platform also enables constituents to contact House Speaker Matt Huffman and Senate President Rob McColley to emphasize the urgency of action.

Economic and Workforce Impact

Supporters point to the growing role of hemp-derived beverage manufacturing in Ohio’s economy, with hundreds of jobs and meaningful local investment tied to the category. Advocates argue that clear, enforceable regulations—such as those included in SB 56—are essential to maintaining responsible adult access while supporting Ohio businesses.

The Float Shoppe Social Sodas and Local Industry Response

Local producers, including GLBC, makers of The Float Shoppe THC-infused Social Sodas, say the veto has created immediate uncertainty for employees, retail partners, and customers. They emphasize that the proposed regulatory framework would have ensured low-dose products remained available exclusively to adults 21 and older under strict oversight.

“We are collectively fighting for the future of our businesses, and we are already seeing that Ohioans are with us, in numbers. It’s imperative that our officials take heed and schedule an override vote. The future of our industry, Ohio jobs, and consumer choice should not be so hastily dismissed.”

- Chris Brown, Co-CEO, Great Lakes Brewing Company

Business leaders are encouraging Ohioans who support regulated access to participate in the advocacy effort and help ensure lawmakers revisit the issue.

Make Your Voice Heard

Ohio residents who wish to support bringing an override vote to the legislative floor can learn more and take action by visiting: SaveOhioBevs dot com

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