Federal Ban on THC Drinks Baffles Ohio and Kentucky Bar Owners
As a federal ban on THC drinks approaches, bar owners in Ohio and Kentucky are frustrated, facing significant financial losses and questioning government motives.
In an unexpected twist that has left many in the bar and liquor store industry scratching their heads, a federal ban on THC-infused drinks is looming over businesses in Ohio and Kentucky. The news has stirred up a mix of disbelief and frustration among local proprietors who feel blindsided by governmental decisions that seem out of touch with public interest.
In Ohio, bars like The Belle and The Bear are seeing a downturn in business. Owner Ceris Christopher noted that their flourishing reputation as a THC drink provider was abruptly halted by state law changes earlier this year. 'I think a lot of small businesses and bars are ****ed. And they should be ****ed,' Christopher stated. Regular patrons are now a rarity, and the once-buzzing weekend crowd has dwindled significantly.
Across the state line in Bellevue, Kentucky, liquor stores like The Party Source are preparing for the worst. Marty Holland, a store manager, has already started warning customers that their favorite THC beverages are on a countdown to extinction, set to disappear from shelves by November 12th unless federal lawmakers change course.
“Regulate it, don't ban it. You know what I mean. Like we are responsible for what happens in this bar.”
The incredulity doesn't stop there. The ban, which was quietly inserted into a budget bill during a government shutdown, caught many by surprise once the dust settled. The lack of transparency and public discourse has left business owners feeling betrayed, as decisions seem driven by personal beliefs rather than economic or social rationale.
As November approaches, the sentiment is clear: bar and liquor store owners want regulation, not prohibition. They argue that responsible sales should be the focus, not a blanket ban that threatens livelihoods and pushes consumers towards the black market.
- Bars, liquor stores in Ohio, Kentucky hurting as federal ban on THC drink sales looms — WLWT, Sean MacKinnon (May 27, 2026)
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