Ohio’s full House of Representatives has passed a bill that would repeal key parts of the state’s voter-approved marijuana law while also imposing new restrictions on hemp products.
The measure, which passed in an 87 to 8 vote, represents what lawmakers are calling a “compromise” but what advocates argue is an overreach that undermines the 2023 legalization initiative.
The legislation, sponsored by Senator Stephen Huffman (R), must return to the Senate for concurrence or be negotiated in a conference committee before advancing to the governor’s desk. Supporters say the revised bill scales back some of the harsher provisions from the original Senate version, but it still makes sweeping changes to both marijuana and hemp rules.
Among the most notable changes, the proposal removes anti-discrimination protections for marijuana consumers, including safeguards tied to child custody rights, organ transplants, and professional licensing. It would also recriminalize possession of cannabis purchased legally outside Ohio, meaning those who bring marijuana from neighboring Michigan could face criminal charges. Additionally, the measure bans smoking marijuana in outdoor public spaces such as bar patios and allows landlords to prohibit vaping at rental properties, with violations classified as misdemeanors.
On hemp, the bill places stricter rules on intoxicating products. While beverages would remain widely available, other hemp-derived THC items could only be sold in licensed hemp dispensaries. Hemp drinks would be capped at 5 mg of THC for on-site sales, with up to 10 mg allowed for take-home purchases. The measure also creates a $1.20 per gallon tax on hemp beverages.
The House Finance Committee further amended the legislation to expand eligibility for expungement of past marijuana cases. People would not need to prove the amount of cannabis involved in prior misdemeanor possession cases, and dismissals—not just convictions—would be eligible for clearing.
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