Republican leaders in the Ohio House and Senate say they plan to pass significant changes to the state’s voter-approved recreational marijuana law by the end of June, raising concern among legalization advocates that lawmakers are working to undermine the will of the people.
The two chambers are currently working to combine Senate Bill 56 and House Bill 160, both of which would impose new restrictions on the cannabis market. While there are differences between the bills, both would limit the THC content of products and restrict the state’s home grow provisions. The Senate proposal would reduce the legal plant count from 12 per household to six total, while the House version would keep the 12-plant household limit intact but still cap THC levels.
House Finance Chair Brian Stewart (R) said the effort is about reaching a consensus that reflects more widespread support, though he acknowledged that further “adjustments on the criminalization side” are being considered. He also expressed support for the House’s substitute bill, which would allow for low-dose THC-infused beverages.
The push to overhaul the law comes just months after voters approved Issue 2, legalizing marijuana possession and home cultivation for adults 21 and older. Under the current law, adults can possess, smoke, vape, and ingest marijuana, and grow up to six plants individually or 12 per household. Since the launch of the adult-use market in August 2024, there has already been over half a billion dollars in licensed sales.
Supporters of legalization say the proposed changes go against the clear message sent by voters last November.
“We want to make sure that the will of voters is protected,” said House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D). “We want to make sure that the use of that revenue is upheld.”
Senate President Matt Huffman (R) and other GOP leaders argue that voters didn’t fully understand what they were approving and have pointed to concerns over unregulated hemp-derived THC products like delta-8, which are widely sold in convenience stores without age restrictions.
Despite criticism, Republican leaders remain confident they’ll pass a revised marijuana law before the end of the month. Whether it will reflect what voters originally supported remains to be seen.
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