Here in Wisconsin, we have been vocal advocates for consumer safety and responsible regulation of the hemp industry. As of October 9, 2025, a deeply disturbing situation unfolding in Ohio serves as a stark and urgent reminder of what’s at stake when those standards are ignored. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is calling for immediate action after state investigators found illicit and dangerously packaged THC products being sold in gas stations and convenience stores — a scenario that puts our children and communities at grave risk.
What's Happening in Ohio? A Recipe for Disaster
According to a recent report from the Columbus Dispatch, the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control and the Ohio State Highway Patrol conducted a sweep of unregulated sellers. What they found is a horror show for any responsible consumer or parent:
- Counterfeit Brands: Products were packaged to look nearly identical to popular snacks and candies like Nerds, Skittles, and Gushers.
- Products Appealing to Children: The use of cartoon characters, bright colors, and familiar candy branding is not an accident; it is a predatory tactic designed to attract and deceive children.
- No Age Verification: These intoxicating products were being sold in easily accessible locations like gas stations, with no meaningful age verification in place to prevent them from getting into the hands of minors.
- Unknown Potency and Purity: The products are untested and unregulated, meaning their actual THC content is unknown, and they could contain harmful pesticides, heavy metals, or other dangerous contaminants.
This is not a legitimate industry; this is a dangerous free-for-all that threatens public health and undermines the credibility of every responsible business in the cannabis space.
Our Stance: This Isn't a "Loophole," It's a Failure of Responsibility
We at Ethereal Gold Dispensary are outraged, but not surprised. The situation in Ohio is the predictable result of allowing intoxicating products to be sold without the absolute bare minimum of regulatory oversight. The call from Governor DeWine to address this isn't just warranted; it's a dire necessity.
However, a ban is not the answer, as that will only strengthen the illicit market. The solution is smart, comprehensive regulation that includes:
- Strict Licensing Requirements: To prevent gas stations and convenience stores from selling high-potency, intoxicating products. These products belong in the hands of responsible, knowledgeable retailers.
- Mandatory Age Verification: Every sale, online or in-person, must be subject to a strict 21+ age gate. This cannot be optional.
- Bans on Counterfeit & Child-Appealing Packaging: Regulations must explicitly forbid using branding that mimics mainstream snacks or uses cartoons.
- Mandatory Full-Panel Lab Testing: Every product must be tested for potency and purity by an accredited third-party lab.
The Ethereal Gold Standard: Leading by Example
The chaos in Ohio is the exact opposite of everything Ethereal Gold Dispensary stands for. We didn't wait for a crisis or a new law to do the right thing. Since day one, our entire business model has been built on the very standards that Ohio is now desperately seeking.
- We DO NOT Use Counterfeit Branding: Our packaging is professional, mature, and clearly labeled as a THC product. We would never use imagery that could be mistaken for a children's snack.
- We ENFORCE Strict Age Verification: Our online checkout process includes a robust, legally compliant 21+ age verification system. No exceptions.
- We REQUIRE Full-Panel Lab Testing: This is the cornerstone of our business. Our commitment to lab testing and transparency ensures that every product you buy is verified for its cannabinoid content and is free from harmful contaminants.
A National Call for Safety
The crisis in Ohio should serve as a wake-up call for lawmakers not just in Ohio, but here in Wisconsin and across the nation. Consumer safety must be the priority.
Ethereal Gold Dispensary is proud to be a leader in this fight, proving that a safe and responsible national hemp market is possible. We are proud to service the entire United States of America online, shipping our age-verified and full-panel lab-tested products directly to your door. When you shop with us, you are choosing safety, transparency, and a higher standard. We invite you to explore our collection of legitimate, tested cannabis products and experience the Ethereal Gold difference.
FAQ
Why is it dangerous to sell THC products at gas stations?
Gas stations and convenience stores typically lack the necessary infrastructure for strict age verification and are easily accessible to minors, making them inappropriate venues for selling intoxicating products.
How can I spot a counterfeit THC product?
Look for packaging that mimics famous snack or candy brands (like Skittles, Doritos, etc.). These are almost always unregulated, untested, and illegal products.
Does Ethereal Gold use child-appealing packaging?
Absolutely not. Our packaging is designed for adults. It is professional, discreet, and clearly communicates that the product contains THC.
How does Ethereal Gold verify my age for online sales?
We use a secure, third-party age verification system during checkout that confirms you are 21 years of age or older before any sale can be completed.
What does "full-panel lab tested" mean?
It means the product is tested by an independent lab not just for its THC and cannabinoid potency, but also for a full range of potential contaminants, including pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbials.
