This Wednesday, June 18th will put advocates back at the Statehouse to discuss Ohio’s evolving cannabis policy landscape, with two cannabis-related bills scheduled for hearings. We’ll break down what’s at stake and how you can participate.
SB 56 Fourth Hearing, Possible Vote
At 11:00 a.m. in Room 113, the House Judiciary Committee will hold its fourth hearing on Senate Bill 56 (SB 56), which proposes major revisions to Ohio’s medical and adult-use cannabis laws that voters approved via Issue 2 in November 2023. A vote is possible during this hearing, although further substitute language may still be introduced.
While public testimony is not expected for SB 56 on Wednesday, proponents, opponents, and interested parties are encouraged to attend in person to remain engaged and visible during these final deliberations. The legislation has already cleared the Senate and now awaits final approval in the House.
SB 55 Addressing “Marijuana-Related OVI”
Earlier in the day, at 9:45 a.m. in the North Hearing Room, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a third hearing on Senate Bill 55 (SB 55), which addresses updates to Ohio’s criminal code—including cannabis-related offenses. While this bill is more focused on criminal justice matters, it may also have meaningful implications for individuals impacted by past or current cannabis-related charges.
1. Raises the THC “per se” limit for marijuana-related OVI (Operating Vehicle/Watercraft under Influence):
- Currently, Ohio law deems it a violation to operate with 2 ng/ml of THC in whole blood. SB 55 increases that threshold to 5 ng/ml of delta‑9‑THC in whole blood.
2. Removes certain evidence types for per se violations:
- Eliminates the use of marijuana metabolites and tests measuring THC in urine, blood serum, or plasma to establish automatic OVI violations.
3. Introduces an inference standard for impairment:
- Prosecutors and courts may now infer impairment if:
- Urine shows ≥ 25 ng/ml THC, or
- Blood shows 2–5 ng/ml THC
- Such inferences can be used without expert witness testimony, although either side may introduce additional evidence to support or challenge the inference.
4. Clarifies the admissibility of evidence:
- All evidence or testimony related to concentrations of alcohol or drugs must adhere to Ohio Rules of Evidence (including rules on expert testimony).
- Importantly, allowing evidence in one form does not bar admitting other types—like how the specimen was analyzed or which equipment was used.
You can read the full text of Senate Bill 55 here:
👉 SB55 PDF – Ohio General Assembly
The Senate Judiciary Committee will hear opponents and interested parties for SB 55 on Wednesday at 9:45 a.m. in the North Hearing Room. To participate in the hearing, fill out a witness form and email your written testimony to Chair Nathan H. Manning at manning@ohiosenate.gov no later than tomorrow morning.
👉 Check out our previous reporting on SB56 to see how the bill has been altered due to pressure from advocates.
Moving Forward in Ohio
As Ohio moves forward with implementation of adult-use legalization, these hearings represent a pivotal opportunity for advocates, patients, and industry stakeholders to remain informed and present. The next few weeks will be critical in shaping how cannabis is regulated and accessed across the state. Subscribe to MedicateOH to get the latest details.
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