Columbus, OH – October 14, 2025 – In a major win for constitutional governance and small businesses across Ohio, a state judge has granted a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) blocking Governor Mike DeWine’s executive order banning hemp-derived products.

The ruling halts the Governor’s attempt to impose an immediate, statewide ban under the guise of a “public health emergency,” effectively reaffirming that executive power cannot replace the legislative process.

“This is a victory for Ohio’s Constitution, for small business owners, and for the hardworking people who depend on this industry,” said Dakota Sawyer, Chief Executive Officer of Statesman Limited. “Governor DeWine’s order was not only unlawful it was an abuse of executive authority that threatened to devastate an entire sector overnight. Today’s decision restores sanity, due process, and respect for the rule of law.”

Protecting Jobs, Farmers, and Fair Competition

Ohio’s hemp industry supports thousands of jobs across farming, retail, and small manufacturing. The Governor’s executive order would have immediately outlawed countless hemp-derived products, shuttering businesses, and placing family farms at risk all without legislative debate or statutory authority.

“This ruling sends a powerful message,” Sawyer continued. “In Ohio, we still believe in checks and balances. The people’s representatives make the law, not unilateral executive decrees.”

Next Steps: Toward a Sensible, Legal Framework

Statesman Limited continues to work with members of the legislature, agency officials, and industry stakeholders to craft a responsible, science-based regulatory framework that balances consumer protection with economic opportunity.

“Our team remains committed to helping policymakers develop solutions that keep Ohio’s small businesses thriving while maintaining public trust,” Sawyer said. “We will continue to defend constitutional principles and the industries that embody the entrepreneurial spirit of our state.”