Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine stood beside this display of intoxicating candies as he announces a ban on the sale of intoxicating hemp products, such as THC-infused gummies and beverages sold in gas stations, tap rooms and retail shops, for 90 days. Intoxicating hemp products are any THC-containing items sold outside of licensed marijuana dispensaries. He announced the ban during a news conference at the Riffe Center in Columbus on October 8, 2025. Photo: Doral Chenoweth ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
DETROIT, MI ~ Candy has been flying off shelves due to Halloween celebrations, but the Midwest Independent Retailers Association, or MIRA, wants to keep consumers, specifically minors, safe as some candy can be very easily mistaken for THC products. MIRA has issued a message to its members who sell these hemp products that mirror traditional candy packaging to remove them from their inventory. President and CEO of MIRA Bill Wild joined “Focus with Paul W. Smith” to talk about their effort to keep people safe for Halloween weekend.
PODCAST:
Oct. 31, 2025 ~ Bill Wild, president and CEO of the Midwest Independent Retailers Association discusses their call to remove THC candies that look too much like the real thing from shelves.
