After a surprise delay last week, Ohio Senate Bill 56 (SB 56) is back on the agenda in the Ohio House Judiciary Committee this Tuesday, June 24. As the legislation that seeks to revise Ohio’s adult-use cannabis program, the bill has become a lightning rod for patients, industry leaders, and advocates.

With potential amendments still on the table and summer legislative session about to end, stakeholders have a narrow window to weigh in before the bill becomes law. Here’s what’s at stake and how Ohioans can take action:

🌿 What Is Senate Bill 56?

SB 56 is the primary bill the Ohio General Assembly is currently using to amend the voter-approved Issue 2, which legalized adult-use cannabis in November 2023. The bill, introduced in early 2025, has passed the Senate and is now under review in the House.

The bill’s current form includes restrictions on home cultivation, THC potency caps, limitations on public use and cannabis sharing, and significant changes to tax revenue allocation. While some provisions have been softened in committee, many advocates say SB 56 still strays too far from the intent of voters who passed Issue 2.

🔎 What’s Still at Stake in SB 56?

1. Home Grow Rights

  • Current proposal: Limit of 6 plants per residence, instead of 6 per individual and up to 12 per residence.
  • Advocates’ concern: This reduces the plant count allowed under Issue 2 and restricts patients’ and caregivers’ ability to cultivate for personal or medical use.

2. THC Potency Caps

  • Flower capped at 35% THC; concentrates capped at 70% THC.
  • The Division of Cannabis Control could relax these limits, but advocates argue such caps are not evidence-based and may limit product availability for patients.

3. Cannabis Sharing & Public Use

  • Limits adult-to-adult gifting outside of primary residences.
  • Public smoking and vaping remain prohibited except in designated concert or event venues.
  • Recent amendments have begun to loosen these restrictions, but further revisions may be introduced Tuesday.

4. Criminal Penalties

  • Felony charges for cannabis possession while driving have been removed.
  • Some minor charges may still apply for public use or improper transport of cannabis products.

5. Tax Revenue & Equity Funding

  • The bill reinstates 25% of tax revenues for municipalities with dispensaries, partially restoring what was cut in earlier drafts.
  • No clear provisions yet exist for social equity funding, record expungement, or small business support—key elements that were part of Issue 2’s original public appeal.

🛠️ Will SB 56 Change Again?

Yes—additional amendments are expected at Tuesday’s hearing.

  • Chair Rep. Jamie Callender (R-Concord) has said the committee is still working on changes.
  • A vote may take place during the hearing, or shortly after.
  • Updates could affect potency caps, public use rules, gifting restrictions, and tax allocations.

These changes could either bring the bill closer in line with the will of the voters or further erode the voter-approved law.

📣 How to Make Your Voice Heard Before the Vote

Here are several ways you can act today to protect and shape cannabis legalization in Ohio:

1. Attend the Hearing

  • Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
  • Time: 10:00 a.m.
  • Location: Room TBD Ohio Statehouse
  • Why: A strong public presence signals to lawmakers that voters are watching.
  • Can’t make it? Watch it live at Ohiochannel.org

2. Submit Written Testimony

  • Prepare a brief written statement with your perspective. Share how this bill personally affects you, your business, or someone you care for.
  • Email your testimony by Monday morning at 11 a.m. to: OHRJudiciaryCommittee@ohiohouse.gov

3. Contact House Committee Members

  • Find your local representative at OhioHouse.gov.
  • Call or email to share your thoughts. Be specific: e.g., “Please restore home grow to 12 plants,” or “Oppose THC caps.”

5. Partner with Advocacy Groups

MedicateOH Cannabis Newsletter

✅ Why This Hearing Matters

SB 56 will define how Ohio’s adult-use cannabis program takes shape. With new amendments pending and a final vote potentially imminent, all voices need to be heard and taken into consideration.

MedicateOH will continue covering SB 56 and any other legal developments as they unfold. Subscribe here to get a single weekly email each Monday about Ohio cannabis news.

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Author

  • Medicate OH's Founder and Publisher is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio and holds an undergraduate degree in journalism and a master's degree in public administration, both from Northern Kentucky University. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing professionally for the medical and wellness industries, including positions with The Journal of Pediatrics, Livestrong, The Cincinnati Enquirer, and Patient Pop.

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