COLUMBUS, OH (WOWO) Ohio lawmakers are responding to the passage of Senate Bill 56, which imposes new restrictions on marijuana and intoxicating hemp products statewide. The Senate approved the bill 22-7 on Tuesday, and it now goes to Gov. Mike DeWine, who is expected to sign it into law.
The legislation bans intoxicating hemp products from being sold outside licensed dispensaries, makes it illegal to bring marijuana purchased in another state back to Ohio, caps THC levels in adult-use extracts, and limits recreational dispensaries to 400 locations according to WTOL.
State Sen. Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo) criticized the measure in a statement.
“Again, the General Assembly insults the Ohio voters who knew and said what they wanted when they voted for Issue 2 in 2023. It took two years for the Republican majority to pass SB 56, and it still ultimately does not truly serve the Ohio voters. Furthermore, the refusal to automatically seal prior drug convictions on now ‘legal’ activities again insults voters’ decisions,” Hicks-Hudson said.
Senate Majority Leader Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) called claims that the bill ignores voters “a little bit of exaggeration and hyperbole,” noting that out-of-state marijuana would not be heavily penalized and reflects differences in testing standards in neighboring states.
Industry representatives, however, praised the legislation. David Bowling, executive director of the Ohio Cannabis Coalition, said in a statement:
“With Senate Bill 56 now approved by both chambers, Ohio is taking decisive action to protect families and demonstrate leadership as one of the first states to act since the closure of the Farm Bill loophole. This swift response reflects a clear commitment to public safety and a responsible marketplace. We’re also pleased to see this legislation finally release the long-promised Host Community Fund dollars. These tax dollars are an important way the cannabis industry benefits the communities where they live and operate.”
The bill represents a major update to Ohio’s cannabis regulations, particularly affecting recreational dispensaries, THC limits, and interstate marijuana use.
