COLUMBUS, Ohio — Legislation aiming to make major changes to Ohio’s recreational marijuana law was passed in the state Senate Wednesday afternoon. If Senate Bill 56 ultimately becomes law, it will enact tighter restrictions than what are in place now.
Republicans supporting Senate Bill 56 say it provides better oversight of testing, packaging and advertising of marijuana and protects Ohio’s kids from exposure to the drug.
Democrats opposing the legislation say the restrictions in the bill go too far. They argue it ignores what Ohioans wanted when they overwhelmingly voted to legalize recreational marijuana in 2023.
The bill passed in the Senate by a vote of 23-9 Wednesday afternoon.
The legislation calls for lowering the number of plants allowed to be grown at home from 12 to six. It only permits the smoking or vaping of marijuana in private residences.
The bill would also lower the THC levels from a maximum of 90% to 70%, making the marijuana less potent. It caps the number of dispensaries in the state at 350. It also prohibits the marketing of marijuana to target children and youth.
“Senate Bill 56 is a great bill because it’s reasonable, appropriate, it cuts down on the illicit marijuana market and it’s truly about protection and safety of children,” said bill sponsor and Sen. Steve Huffman (R- Tipp City).
“What everyday Ohioans say they want, they passed a ballot initiative. They expect what they passed to be the rule of law, and I think they should be very upset about the fact that the Republicans are changing course on them and ignoring their voice,” said Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio (D- Lakewood).
Antonio said Democrats also want the bill to include funding for people looking to expunge their criminal records for minor marijuana possession convictions. Huffman said that will likely be addressed in budget discussions.
The bill now goes to the Ohio House of Representatives, which could make changes to it.
