On June 4, 2025, the Ohio House Judiciary Committee will convene to discuss a revised version of Senate Bill 56 (SB 56), which aims to amend the state’s cannabis legalization framework that voters approved. The hearing is set for 9:00 a.m. in Room 313 of the State House, and SB 56 is positioned as the second item on the agenda.
The committee’s new version of SB 56 closely aligns with House Bill 160 (HB 160), which has seen support from Representative Brian Stewart. Stewart noted, “We realize there may be additional amendments proposed, but we believe this is steering us toward a unified bill.”
Representative Jamie Callender, a proponent of cannabis legalization, has indicated his focus on addressing the re-criminalization aspects of the legislation. He stated, “I will propose that we accept this version today, fully aware that further amendments will be prepared for discussion at the next meeting.”
Concerns have arisen regarding the ongoing efforts to modify voter-approved cannabis freedoms in Ohio. In late 2023, initial proposals sought to eliminate home cultivation, reduce possession limits, and increase taxes on cannabis products. Although earlier drafts included stringent measures such as banning smoking in private backyards and prohibiting sharing of cannabis, many of those provisions have been modified or removed in the current version.
However, the latest committee substitute for SB 56 still includes some contentious provisions:
– Re-criminalization: Cannabis sourced from outside of Ohio or grown independently would be illegal. – Sharing Restrictions: Sharing homegrown cannabis would be banned, with felonies applied to sharing over 20 grams. – Location Limitations: Sharing would only be permitted at the transferor’s primary residence. – Open Container Law: A new law would prohibit cannabis products (excluding raw cannabis) from being opened in the passenger area of a vehicle. – Smoking and Vaping Limitations: Consumption would be restricted to private residences or agricultural land, with exceptions only for designated outdoor music venues. – Licensing Changes: The bill would eliminate level 3 licenses for small growers, restrict new grower and dispensary licenses, and cap the number of retailers at 400. – Social Equity Program: The proposed legislation would abolish the cannabis social equity and jobs program, which provided support for communities adversely affected by the war on drugs and offered funding for expungement initiatives.
The upcoming hearing represents a critical moment for stakeholders in Ohio’s cannabis community. Advocates continue to voice their concerns over the proposed changes, emphasizing the importance of preserving the rights established by the voters. The outcome of this hearing could significantly reshape the landscape of cannabis regulation in the state.
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