Ohio governor DeWine Signs Bill Restricting Marijuana and Hemp Products, defying Voter Intent
A new Ohio law signed by Governor Mike DeWine (R) significantly alters the state’s recently legalized marijuana landscape and imposes strict regulations on hemp-derived intoxicating products, prompting concerns from industry stakeholders and raising questions about the future of cannabis commerce in the state.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Ohio Senate Bill 56 into law on friday,enacting changes that include banning intoxicating hemp products and criminalizing the transportation of legally purchased marijuana across state lines. The bill, which takes effect in 90 days, represents a considerable intervention by state lawmakers into a market established by a voter-approved initiative.
The legislation responds too recent federal action, with Congress voting earlier this month to ban products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container as part of a government funding agreement. Ohio’s bill aligns with this federal change by restricting the sale of intoxicating hemp products to licensed marijuana dispensaries.
Though,the governor went further,utilizing a line-item veto to eliminate a provision that would have allowed the manufacture and sale of THC-infused beverages containing up to five milligrams of THC until December 31,2026.”My veto means that they cannot be sold,” DeWine stated during a press conference. “The simplest thing, frankly, to do is to stop it right now rather of going until the date in november set by federal law.” He expressed concerns that such beverages would “create extra problems.”
The bill also addresses the adult-use marijuana market established by a 2023 citizen initiative,which passed with 57% of the vote and saw over $702.5 million in sales beginning in August 2024. Key changes include reducing the maximum THC content in marijuana extracts from 90% to 70% and capping THC levels in flower at 35%. Smoking will be prohibited in most public places.
Furthermore, the law dictates that marijuana must be transported in its original packaging and requires drivers to store it in the trunk of their vehicle. Provisions related to establishing probable cause for searches were partially removed, but some remain in effect.
Despite the voter-approved legalization, Ohio lawmakers have the authority to amend the law because it was enacted thru a citizen initiative rather than a constitutional amendment. This has fueled ongoing efforts to reshape the cannabis market since late 2023.
The financial implications of the bill are also noteworthy. Ohio S.B. 56 allocates 36% of adult-use marijuana sales revenue to municipalities and townships hosting recreational dispensaries, while maintaining the existing 10% tax rate. The law also preserves the current home grow allowances – six plants per adult and 12 per residence – and limits the number of dispensaries statewide to 400.
“We got to this point as of poorly drafted federal legislation and people taking advantage of it,” explained Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman, R-Lima, emphasizing the perceived need for state intervention. He cautioned against speculation about future federal actions, arguing it would only exacerbate existing issues.
Industry representatives have voiced concerns that the new regulations will significantly disrupt the hemp market and
