Ohio Senate Approves New Marijuana Law Changes
Ohio lawmakers have advanced major updates to the state’s recreational marijuana laws after the Senate approved Senate Bill 56 on Tuesday with a 22-7 vote. The legislation now heads to Gov. Mike DeWine for consideration. If signed, it would introduce new restrictions and penalties affecting how Ohioans can use, transport, and consume cannabis.
Ohio voters approved recreational marijuana in 2023 with 57% support, and legal sales officially began in August 2024. However, Senate Bill 56 – first introduced in January – has been surrounded by strong opposition from groups who believe it undermines voter-approved cannabis reforms. After months of debate, the Ohio House passed its revisions on Nov. 19, sending it to the Senate for final approval.
During Tuesday’s session, Democratic senators urged colleagues to reject the bill. Sen. Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) argued that changes involving intoxicating hemp products could negatively impact one of Ohio’s fastest-growing beverage industries. He also warned that overriding provisions approved by voters will likely trigger legal challenges. “How does this respect the will of the voters?” DeMora questioned.
Republican supporters countered that the proposal still upholds most of the cannabis framework voters approved. Sen. Steve Huffman (R-Tipp City) highlighted benefits such as protections against marketing to minors while still allowing adult-use marijuana.
If the governor signs S.B. 56 into law, several new restrictions would take effect:
1. Public Use Restrictions
The bill would ban consuming any recreational cannabis including edibles like gummies in public spaces. Under current law, only smoking in public is restricted, while edibles are permitted. Violations under the new rules could result in a minor misdemeanor and up to a $150 fine. Ohioans currently spend more than $2 million weekly on edible cannabis products, according to state data.
2. New Transportation Requirements
S.B. 56 introduces rules requiring open marijuana products and related paraphernalia to be stored in a vehicle’s trunk or the area behind the last upright seat. This could affect everything from vape pens to edible packaging. Violators could face a $150 fine.
3. Updated Paraphernalia Rules
The Division of Marijuana Control would gain authority to determine which devices, accessories, and equipment can legally be used for both medical and adult-use marijuana. This marks a shift from current law, which places no limits on what paraphernalia residents can possess.
4. Cultivation Penalties
Ohioans may still grow up to six plants per person or 12 plants per household. However, exceeding these limits could now result in illegal cultivation charges ranging from a minor misdemeanor to a felony.
5. Housing and Lease Agreement Rules
Landlords would continue to have the right to ban smoking, vaping, or combustion of marijuana in rental properties. Earlier versions of the bill included legal penalties for violating these lease terms, but those penalties were removed in the Senate version.
Beyond these changes, the bill also introduces adjustments to laws surrounding intoxicating hemp and limitations that could affect dispensary operations statewide.
As Ohio waits for Gov. DeWine’s decision, the future of recreational cannabis use may soon see some of the most significant regulatory shifts since legalization.
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