Ohio lawmakers are currently navigating the complexities of cannabis legislation as they propose two new bills aimed at modifying the regulations established by Issue 2. This voter-approved measure, which passed in November 2023 with 57% support, legalized recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and older in the state. The proposed bills, Ohio Senate Bill 56 and House Bill 160, seek to impose additional rules on the cannabis industry.
Many in the cannabis community are concerned that the proposed changes could hinder the industry’s growth. Critics, including Cat Packer, who is the director of drug markets and legal regulation at the Drug Policy Alliance, argue that some of the new measures may harm consumers. Packer pointed out that the bills introduce “a minefield of new criminal penalties,” which go against the expectations of voters who anticipated a reduction in such penalties following legalization.
Senate Bill 56, introduced by State Senator Steve Huffman (R-Tipp City) in January, and House Bill 160, introduced by State Representative Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) in March, aim to further regulate licensing and restrict home cultivation and public consumption of cannabis. Stewart indicated that the changes are intended to safeguard children while maintaining the essential adult-use features of Issue 2.
Both bills propose limits on the design of dispensary packaging to prevent it from appealing to minors and include penalties for supplying cannabis to individuals under 21. Additionally, they set a cap of 350 licenses for cultivators, processors, and dispensaries within the state. Currently, Ohio has 139 licensed dispensaries and 12 with provisional licenses. Recent data from the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control shows that marijuana sales reached $90 million in January alone, contributing to a total of $240 million in 2024.
The adult-use cannabis products are currently subject to a 10% tax, which supports social equity initiatives and mental health programs. As lawmakers continue to debate these bills, the future of Ohio’s cannabis market remains uncertain.
