Provisions take effect tomorrow (Friday, March 20th) rolling back various aspects of the state’s voter-approved adult-use marijuana legalization law.
The provisions, included in Senate Bill 56, criminalize adults who possess marijuana products obtained from out-of-state sources, including products legally purchased at licensed dispensaries in neighboring jurisdictions. They also repeal statutes protecting adult-use consumers from facing either workplace or professional disciplinary action, as well as other forms of discrimination based solely upon their private marijuana use (such as the denial of parental rights or certain hospital procedures, such as organ transplants).
Other changes that take effect tomorrow provide for criminal sanctions for adults who either possess or transport certain cannabis products that are not in their original, unopened packaging, place THC limits on cannabis flower and concentrates, increase penalties for public consumption, and restrict the retail sale of hemp-derived products, including beverages, solely to state-licensed dispensaries.
Fifty-seven percent of Ohio voters approved a ballot measure (Issue 2) legalizing marijuana possession, home-cultivation, and sales in 2023.
“Lawmakers arrogant decision to undermine Issue 2 is a slap in the face to millions of Ohio voters,” NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said. “At the end of the day, lawmakers desire to roll back legalization has nothing to do with the law not working as intended, and everything to do with legislators disapproving of how their constituents voted on a major public policy issue.”
Although a coalition of local activists and businesses sought to challenge the changes, they failed to gather the signatures necessary to put SB 56 to a voter referendum.
Further legislative debate on the future of Ohio’s adult-use market is anticipated, with some lawmakers indicating that they may consider placing additional restrictions upon the use and sale of cannabis products.
A summary of SB 56’s revisions to Ohio’s adult-use marijuana legalization and hemp laws is available from Ohio State University.
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