Ohio is once again facing a significant shift in its marijuana legislation as the state debates the proposed Marijuana Control Law, also known as Ohio Senate Bill 56. Designed to overhaul the existing Cannabis Control Law, this bill is sparking widespread controversy among legislators, businesses, and the public. If passed, it will have far-reaching implications for legal marijuana in Ohio.

The Cannabis Control Law, better known as Ohio Issue 2, which legalised marijuana in 2023, brought about sweeping changes, allowing the cultivation, processing, sale, and use of marijuana. It also established the Division of Cannabis Control (DCC) within the Ohio Department of Commerce to regulate the industry. However, Senate Bill 56 seeks to repeal much of what Issue 2 implemented and consolidate marijuana-related regulations under a new framework.

A Legislative Shift in Ohio Marijuana Laws

The proposed Marijuana Control Law recently passed the Ohio Senate with a 23-9 vote and now awaits review by the Ohio House of Representatives Judiciary Committee. According to supporters, the bill aims to streamline marijuana regulation within the Ohio Revised Code and improve oversight by merging the Division of Marijuana Control with the DCC.

However, critics argue that this legislation could undermine Ohio’s thriving marijuana industry. Senator Bill Demora (D-Columbus) strongly opposes the bill, dubbing it “an assault and threat to the Ohio adult-use marijuana programme”. He contends that the bill, unlike previous legislation, is a direct move to stifle an already flourishing market.

Stricter Rules on Out-of-State Products and THC Content

One of the bill’s key provisions includes outlawing out-of-state marijuana, classifying it as contraband. Additionally, the current law allows adult-use consumers to share marijuana without financial exchange. The proposed legislation, however, would prohibit any such sharing.

Furthermore, the Marijuana Control Law seeks to lower the legal THC limits for adult-use products. Extracts would be capped at 70%, down from the current limit of 90%. Vapor and combustion products would face stricter regulations, limiting them to 10 milligrams per serving and 100 milligrams per package.

Restricting Businesses and the Supply Chain

The bill also proposes significant restrictions on the marijuana supply chain. It intends to eliminate level three adult-use cultivator licences and impose a cap of 350 dispensaries statewide. Senator Demora warns that these changes would stifle competition and prevent some communities from accessing legal marijuana. He further emphasises that Ohio’s current supply shortage makes reducing cultivation areas a backward move.

Tightening Regulations on Personal Use

For individuals, the bill would halve the number of marijuana plants allowed for home cultivation from 12 to six. It would also restrict the use of marijuana to private residences and ban the sale of products marketed towards children through advertising or packaging.

A Divisive Future for Legal Marijuana in Ohio

The Marijuana Control Law highlights a critical crossroads for Ohio’s approach to legal marijuana. Supporters argue that it represents a needed improvement in regulation, while opponents caution it could disrupt a burgeoning market and alienate voters who strongly supported legalization in 2023.

As Senator Demora puts it, the Ohio House now faces a pivotal decision. “Will they stand with the voters who overwhelmingly supported marijuana legalisation, or will they abandon the people and allow this harmful bill to move forward?”

The outcome of the proposed legislation could redefine the future of marijuana in Ohio, impacting businesses, consumers, and the state’s regulatory framework.

Source: The Post