COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — As Ohio legislators look to crack down on voter-approved recreational marijuana laws, cannabis industry leaders are asking them to reconsider.
Senate Bill 56 would make dozens of changes to Ohio’s recreational marijuana program, a citizen-led statute that passed in November 2023 with 57% of voters in favor. The bill passed in the Ohio Senate and now heads to the House as cannabis industry stakeholders speak out against the legislation. See previous coverage of the bill in the video player above.
S.B. 56 is a 147-page bill that would repeal most of Ohio’s current Cannabis Control Law, replacing it with new and more restrictive legislation. It is a sweeping bill with many aspects that would strengthen regulations against home growing, adult use, dispensary licensing, cannabis farmers, employment, taxation and product options.
In the Senate committee, the legislation saw four testimonies in favor of S.B. 56 and 40 testimonies against it. The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio was one of the 40, and said many Ohioans likely would have wanted to provide testimony opposing S.B. 56 but were unable to with the speed it moved through the Senate.
Karen O’Keefe also shared opponent testimony. O’Keefe is an attorney and director of state policies for the largest cannabis policy reform organization in the U.S., a nonprofit called Marijuana Policy Project. O’Keefe condemned the bill’s restrictions, saying it would “recriminalize” many aspects of cannabis use that voters approved.
O’Keefe said many of the regulations unfairly limit adult use. She called portions of S.B. 56 that would enforce mandatory jail time for anyone who smokes or vapes cannabis on a boat “outrageous.” O’Keefe also pointed to restrictions in the bill barring sharing cannabis among a household, including if the homeowners grew the plant themselves.
“Spouses would have to have ‘his and her’ cannabis,” she said. “Imagine being prohibited from sharing a bottle of wine with friends and family. This prohibition is nonsensical.”
Cannabis Safety First founder Tim Johnson said the bill’s concerns about public safety are redundant at best. Johnson, a veteran and retired law enforcement officer, said the state should support cannabis as a sustainable new industry rather than adding new criminal penalties for cannabis use.
If passed, Ohioans would only be permitted to grow six plants, halving the current 12-plant policy, which many opponents disagreed with. Larger marijuana cultivators also spoke out against the bill’s restrictions on growing cannabis.
“As a farmer, I’m asking you to remove the clause that prohibits hemp farmers from growing high THC cannabis outside,” Joey Ellwood with Appalachian Girls Cannabis Company said. “I’m one of seven hemp farmers left in Ohio, and our family has endured many challenges in this market.”
Chad Thompson, founder and organizer of the outdoor cannabis festival Stargazer Fest, said he felt the cultivating changes were largely overregulated by lawmakers.
“If you can grow six, why can’t you grow 12? I mean, this is just an infringement on personal freedoms and rights that the Ohio citizens voted for,” Thompson said.
The bill would also cap the number of total active dispensaries at 350. Currently, Ohio has issued 128 certificates of operation.
Since recreational dispensaries first opened in the state last August, business has boomed for cannabis sales. Ohio currently averages between 200,000 and 300,000 individual cannabis sales each week, and non-medical sales have brought in more than $333 million in just seven months.
Nicole Stark, CEO of Bloom Dispensary, said they are carefully reviewing S.B. 56 and will continue to ensure safe and effective access for patients and customers.
“Ohio voters made their voices heard in the recent election, and we hope any legislative changes will continue to reflect the will of the people while supporting a responsible and well-regulated cannabis program,” Stark said.
S.B. 56 passed the Senate on Feb. 26, and is expected to be referred to the House this week.
