Ohio Senate Approves SB 56, a Bill to Alter State Cannabis Laws

Today, the Ohio Senate General Government Committee approved Senate Bill 56 (SB 56), initiating significant revisions to the state’s voter-approved cannabis legislation. Introduced in January by Senator Steve Huffman (R), SB 56 passed the committee. The full Senate passed the measure in a 23-9 vote on Wednesday afternoon. It now heads to the House.

Tax Hike Removed

MedicateOH previously reported on SB 56 when it was introduced and when it was heard last week. Advocates who opposed SB 56 last week flooded the hearing floor with more than 2 hours of testimony opposing various parts of the bill’s details. 

Before its first hearing last week, the Committee chose to remove the proposed increase in taxes from 10 percent to 15 percent. However, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) plans to levy an increase to cannabis sales via the budget process. This increase could be as high as 25 percent, making Ohio cannabis among the most expensive in the country.

What Else Would SB 56 Do?

• Reduction in Home Cultivation Limits: The bill proposes reducing the number of cannabis plants adults can cultivate at home from 12 to 6 per household. An amendment to compromise at 9 plants was tabled, with Senator Huffman stating that maintaining the limit at 6 plants is “reasonable and appropriate.”
• Elimination of Social Equity Provisions: SB 56 seeks to remove certain social equity and jobs programs established under the original law. Democratic committee members proposed amendments to restore these provisions, but they were defeated by the Republican majority.
• Introduction of New Criminal Penalties: The legislation would criminalize the sharing of homegrown cannabis between adults and public consumption, including smoking or vaping in private backyards. Transporting unopened edibles in a vehicle would also become an offense.
• Licensing Restrictions: Individuals with felony convictions would be prohibited from obtaining marijuana licenses. Additionally, the bill caps the number of dispensary licenses at 350 statewide, potentially limiting market competition and accessibility.
• THC Content Regulations: While the bill clarifies that THC limits per package don’t apply to products intended for combustion, it reduces the allowable THC cap from 90% to 70% for other products.
• Operational Adjustments for Cultivators: The legislation restores the ability of level two cultivators to expand their operations to 15,000 square feet, offering some flexibility for mid-sized growers.
• Delivery and Online Sales: SB 56 removes the requirement for the state Division of Cannabis Control to establish rules permitting marijuana deliveries and online purchases, potentially limiting consumer access.

The bill’s progression has sparked opposition from reform advocates and organizations like the ACLU of Ohio, who argue that it undermines the will of voters and could lead to the recriminalization of certain cannabis-related activities. As SB 56 moves toward a House vote, its potential impact on Ohio’s cannabis landscape remains a focal point of public and political discourse.

Citizens with opinions about Senate Bill 56 will want to email their legislators. Find contact information for the legislators for your area at https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/. 

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