The Ohio Senate has passed a bill that would impose significant restrictions on the state’s recreational marijuana law, despite widespread opposition from advocates and industry stakeholders.
Senate Bill 56, which cleared the full Senate today, would reduce the number of marijuana plants adults can cultivate at home from 12 to six, and it would lower the maximum THC concentration allowed in concentrates from 90% to 70%. The bill would also cap the number of licensed marijuana retailers at 350, a move critics argue is arbitrary given the thousands of active liquor licenses in the state.
Additionally, the legislation would eliminate social equity licenses and strip the Division of Cannabis Control of its ability to establish regulations for marijuana delivery services and online sales.
SB 56 also prohibits any type of marijuana advertising within 50 feet of schools, churchs, libraries, public parks and other locations.
Voters approved legal marijuana in November 2023, with sales officially launching on August 7, 2024. Recent data indicates the state’s legal market has already surpassed $500 million in total sales, with over $340 million coming from adult-use purchases.
During a public hearing on the bill, over 40 individuals testified against the proposed changes, while only one person spoke in favor. The legislation now moves to the Ohio House for consideration. Passage in the House will send the bill to a supportive Governor Mike DeWine.
