Ohio’s Senate General Government Committee has given approval to legislation that would make significant changes to the state’s voter-approved recreational marijuana law.
The committee voted 5 to 2 today to approve Senate Bill 56, which would roll back some of the state’s recreational marijuana law, which was approved by voters in 2023. The committee approved the measure despite over 40 people testifying in opposition to the bill during public hearing, compared to just one in support.
If enacted into law, SB 56 would reduce the number of plants adults can grow at home from 12 to six and lower the THC cap for concentrates from 90% to 70%. The measure would also place a limit of 350 on the number of licensed retailers allowed (Tim Johnson, a retired law enforcement officer and Air Force Veteran, pointed out during the hearing how this cap makes no sense given the state has thousands of active liquor licenses).
In addition, the measure would end social equity licenses, and remove the Division of Cannabis Control’s authority to establish rules allowing marijuana deliveries and online sales.
Ohio voters approved legal marijuana in November 2023, and sales began on August 7, 2024. Data released last week shows that the state’s legal marijuana market has generated $509 million in sales, with $333 million from adult-use purchases.
