From Ohio’s stalled cannabis bill to Michigan’s new tax and Kentucky’s upcoming dispensaries, cannabis policy is shifting fast across the Midwest.
Ohio Senate Rejects House Changes to Cannabis Bill
The Ohio Senate last week rejected House amendments to Senate Bill 56, a proposal that would overhaul Ohio’s cannabis and hemp regulations. The move sends the measure to a conference committee, leaving its future uncertain as lawmakers from both chambers attempt to negotiate a final version.
The unanimous 32–0 vote to reject the House version came after weeks of disagreement over how far to go in revising the state’s voter-approved adult-use cannabis law, passed as Issue 2 in 2023. Until a compromise is reached, the legislation remains in limbo and Ohio’s current cannabis framework stays in place.
What SB 56 Would Change
SB 56 includes sweeping revisions affecting both adult-use and medical cannabis programs. Among its key provisions are limits on home cultivation, caps on THC potency, and restrictions on possession of cannabis obtained out of state. The bill also introduces new regulations for hemp-derived intoxicating products, creating licensing requirements and granting local governments more authority to control their sale.
Supporters of the measure argue that it closes loopholes and clarifies enforcement around unregulated hemp-derived THC products. Critics counter that the proposal undercuts what voters approved under Issue 2 and could create confusion for medical patients and adult consumers.
Temporary Court Block on Governor’s Executive Order
While lawmakers debate SB 56, Governor Mike DeWine’s administration has attempted to use executive action to restrict the sale of intoxicating hemp products. That order, however, is currently blocked by a temporary restraining order issued by a Franklin County judge. The TRO is set to remain in place until December 2, preventing the ban from taking effect for now. Because the order is temporary, the restrictions could still be enacted later if the court lifts the injunction.
Michigan Imposes New Cannabis Tax
Across the border, Michigan’s cannabis industry is dealing with new financial pressure after the state enacted a 24 percent wholesale tax on marijuana transfers between producers and retailers. Industry representatives warn the change could push smaller operators out of business and drive consumers toward the illicit market. Some analysts predict a decline in total sales and tax revenue as a result of the higher rates.
Kentucky Prepares for First Medical Dispensaries
In neighboring Kentucky, officials say the state’s first medical cannabis dispensaries are expected to open by the end of 2025. The rollout follows the legislature’s approval of a tightly regulated medical program and comes after years of advocacy by patients and health professionals. Nearly all planned retail locations have now been identified, according to recent reports.
Outlook
Across the Midwest and beyond, cannabis policy continues to evolve rapidly. Illinois lawmakers are reviewing new rules to expand access to social equity licensees. In Pennsylvania, legislative proposals to legalize adult-use cannabis have gained traction in both chambers, though bipartisan agreement remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Indiana’s legislature is weighing limited decriminalization measures for possession, and West Virginia has begun early discussions on updating its medical cannabis framework to include additional qualifying conditions.
For Ohio patients and consumers, dispensary access remains unchanged for now. However, some of the provisions under consideration in SB 56 and other legislative proposals could eventually affect all cannabis users—medical and adult-use alike. Understanding the details of these proposals and engaging with lawmakers on issues that matter to you will be key as the conference committee works toward a final bill.
These developments reflect a period of transition for cannabis policy across the region. As Ohio’s conference committee works to reconcile SB 56, the coming weeks will determine whether the state moves toward broader access and regulation or enacts new restrictions on its emerging cannabis market.
MedicateOH will provide continuing coverage of these and other policy updates here at MedicateOH.com. Subscribe to our newsletter to get a digest on Mondays in your email inbox.
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