The Ohio Senate passed a bill aimed at overriding key provisions of the state’s voter-approved cannabis legalization law, The Columbus Dispatch reports. The measure, passed by Senate Republicans in a 23-9 party-line vote on Wednesday, introduces significant restrictions to the state’s existing cannabis framework.
Key Changes in the Senate Bill
If enacted, the bill would impose several limitations on Ohio’s legal cannabis market, including:
- Reducing home cultivation limits from 12 plants per household to just 6 plants.
- Eliminating the industry’s social equity and jobs program.
- Enforcing stricter THC potency limits, capping flower at 35% THC and concentrates at 70%.
- Mandating a 3-day jail sentence for individuals caught smoking or vaping cannabis while riding in a vehicle.
- Reducing cultivation space for large licensed growers.
- Capping dispensaries in the state at 350.
- Granting new regulatory powers to the Ohio Department of Commerce to oversee cannabis advertising.
Republican lawmakers argue that these restrictions are necessary to curb illicit market activities without affecting legal cannabis consumers. However, Senate Democrats strongly oppose the bill, calling it legislative overreach that undermines the will of voters.
“We’re now trying to take away the rights of people by making lots of things that are legal today illegal, should this bill become law,” said State Sen. Bill DeMora (D), according to The Columbus Dispatch.
What’s Next?
The bill now moves to the Ohio House of Representatives for consideration. If approved, it could significantly reshape the state’s cannabis industry just months after voters legalized adult-use cannabis in 2023. Ohio’s legal market officially launched last year, generating $255 million in sales within the first six months.
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