Ohio lawmakers are moving forward with attempts to modify the state’s recreational cannabis laws, which were established through a voter initiative in November 2023. However, legalization advocates argue that their concerns about these modifications are not being heard. During interviews, several advocates expressed fears that the proposed changes could negatively impact Ohio’s emerging cannabis market and potentially lead to the recriminalization of cannabis, which is currently legal for adult use.
Tiffany Wedekind, a 47-year-old resident of East Side Columbus, is one of the advocates voicing her concerns. She is among the oldest living individuals with progeria, a rare condition that causes accelerated aging. Wedekind, who also battles cardiovascular disease and arthritis, believes in the healing power of legal marijuana, which she refers to as a natural medicine. She emphasized the importance of regulated access to cannabis, stating, “I didn’t even really understand the science behind it until I got older, and when I was able to get it in a regulated format, rather than just calling Joe Schmo.”
Wedekind criticized lawmakers for not fully understanding the need to protect the cannabis system established by Issue 2. She noted that many legislators focus on political motives and financial interests, neglecting the health benefits that cannabis offers compared to other regulated substances like tobacco and alcohol.
Rep. Jamie Callender (R-Concord), a long-time supporter of cannabis policies, acknowledged that educating his colleagues about cannabis remains a work in progress. Callender was one of a few lawmakers who attended the Ohio Cannabis Lobby Day at the Statehouse. He remarked that many legislators lack awareness of the benefits of cannabis, pointing out that numerous individuals, including veterans and business owners, choose cannabis for medical or personal reasons instead of traditional treatments like chemotherapy or alcohol.
The latest proposed legislation, House Bill 160, includes a public smoking ban but permits cannabis use on private property, such as a home’s front porch. In contrast, the Senate version, Senate Bill 56, restricts consumption to inside private residences and maintains the current limit of 12 cannabis plants for home growing. Despite the progress, Callender expressed some reservations about the bills, particularly regarding the limitations on the concentration of THC products available at dispensaries. Both bills propose a maximum THC concentration of 35% for plants and 70% for concentrates, though the Ohio Department of Commerce has the authority to adjust these limits.
As of now, it remains uncertain which, if any, of these proposed changes will reach Governor Mike DeWine’s desk, as lawmakers continue to debate revisions that have been ongoing for over a year.
