Bill banning pure caffeine, powdered alcohol passes House
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A measure barring the sale of pure caffeine products has cleared the Ohio House after representatives moved to also prohibit the sale of powdered or crystalline alcohol.
The bill would make it a misdemeanor offense to sell products consisting solely or primarily of caffeine that’s manufactured into a crystalline, liquid or powdered form.
The House passed the legislation on a 92-3 vote Wednesday, which was the anniversary of an Ohio teen’s death from caffeine powder. Eighteen-year-old Logan Stiner of LaGrange died days before his high school graduation after consuming a lethal dose of the powdery substance.
A House committee changed the proposal Tuesday to include powdered alcohol. The powder is sold online and can be added to beverages to make alcoholic drinks.
The Senate would have to OK the changes.