On May 8, 2025, the Ohio House Judiciary Committee convened to hear over three hours of opponent testimony regarding House Bill 160 (HB 160), a proposal that could significantly reshape the state’s cannabis landscape.
This move has sparked concern among various stakeholders, including patients, small business owners, and advocates, who argue that the legislation undermines the voter-approved legalization measures and threatens the viability of the hemp industry.
Key Provisions of HB 160
HB 160 proposes several significant changes to Ohio’s cannabis regulations:
- Restricting Sales: Intoxicating hemp products would only be sold at state-licensed dispensaries.
- THC Content Limits: The bill seeks to reduce the maximum THC levels in extracts from 90% to 70%.
- Dispensary Cap: A cap of 350 marijuana dispensaries would be established statewide.
- Tax Revenue Allocation: The majority of tax revenue would be redirected to the state’s General Revenue Fund, nixing the Host Community Fund and Social Equity program.
- Public Consumption Ban: The use of cannabis in public spaces would be prohibited.
Opposition Voices Concerns Over HB 160
During the hearing, more than 40 individuals and organizations voiced their opposition to HB 160, but with very different perspectives on the details. We’ll highlight a few; the rest can be read here.
Policy and Political Leaders’ Opposition
Karen O’Keefe, Director of State Policies at the Marijuana Policy Project, highlighted the inconsistency between the bill and the principles of Issue 2, which emphasized regulating cannabis similarly to alcohol. She questioned, “Would you ban possessing bourbon purchased in Kentucky?” drawing attention to the bill’s potential overreach.
Lexi Lausten of Anderson Township Board of Trustees testified that the proposed elimination of the host community fund in HB 160 would financially impact their community and others that chose in 2023 to welcome new dispensaries amid the promise of receiving back 36 percent of tax revenue, per the Adult-use ballot measure. Prior to 2023, Anderson Township held a moratorium on cannabis retail. The Trustees lifted that based on the new law, and today Anderson hosts two dispensaries, Nectar Market on Five Mile Road and Consume on Beechmont Avenue.
Small Businesses Speak Out
Small business owners also expressed apprehension. Jaimee Courtney, owner of Sunmed | Your CBD Store in Bellefontaine, testified that the legislation would eliminate 90 percent of the non-intoxicating full-spectrum hemp products her store offers. She warned that such restrictions could drive consumers to unregulated online markets, posing safety risks and diverting tax revenue out of Ohio.
Saraquoia Bryant, owner of gem shop and grow equipment supplier Cool Digs Inc in Athens, noted that their store’s customers have taken up indoor gardening to cultivate cannabis responsibly at home. She told the committee: “HB 160 would deal a serious blow to local retailers like mine, just as we are beginning to rebuild. By not allocating the taxes collected from Adult use sales, this legislature not only neglects the will of the voter, but strips the community of promised, and much needed resources that we voted for. HB 160 would make it harder for small growers and home cultivators by eliminating the new Level III cultivator licenses and equity programs that Issue 2 promised. In effect, it replaces hands-on community growers with big companies and takes away the modest cannabis reinvestment funds that were supposed to help cities like Athens and communities impacted by prohibition.”
Owners of Appalachian Girls Cannabis, one of only 33 licensed hemp farmers in the state, also testified against HB 160. Owner Joey Elwood warned the committee: “The Laws you put in place today will not stop interstate commerce. So large out-of-state operations have the ultimate last laugh on these issues. You’ll be ‘shutting down’ hemp farmers, local shops, sending employees home, all the while, Internet sales for the big guys will flow into this state unabridged as a result.”
The Personal Use Problem
Anthony Riley, founder of Ohio Cannabis Live, raised concerns about the bill’s implications for personal use. He asked, “If people can’t consume at home—and sharing at a friend’s house becomes illegal, where are they supposed to consume safely?” emphasizing the need for practical consumption spaces.
Advocacy and Public Engagement
In response to HB 160, advocacy groups and concerned citizens are mobilizing to protect access to hemp-derived products and uphold the intentions of Issue 2. Advocates are encouraging individuals to take action through various means:
- Join the Ohio Cannabis Consumer Coalition: Align with the @civicscannabis coalition advocating for fair cannabis regulations by sending a Direct Message on Instagram.
- Contact Legislators: Reach out to your state representatives and senators to express concerns and share personal stories about how the legislation could impact lives.
- Submit Testimony: Provide written or oral testimony during legislative hearings to voice opposition and suggest alternatives. Submit testimony about HB 160 to the House Judiciary Committee: ohrjudiciarycommittee@ohiohouse.gov
- Public Awareness: Utilize social media and community forums to raise awareness about the potential consequences of HB 160.
Looking Ahead
The Drug Enforcement and Policy Center at Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law will host a webinar on the various changes Ohio lawmakers have proposed to the adult-use marijuana program, and whether changes might be subject to legal challenge on June 10th. Learn more about the webinar “(Un)Checked Power of the Ohio General Assembly: Can Legislators Override Voters’ Will on Marijuana Reform?” and register here.
As HB 160 progresses through the legislative process, its among several bills being considered regarding cannabis laws in Ohio. The debate over how to regulate cannabis products in Ohio continues to intensify. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of hemp-derived products in the state and the preservation of voter-approved cannabis reforms.
For more information on how to get involved and stay updated on HB 160, visit the Ohio House Judiciary Committee‘s page, get a weekly update on Mondays from MedicateOH, or connect with other local advocacy groups dedicated to cannabis policy reform.
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