Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has approved the official title and summary language for a proposed referendum that seeks to roll back the state’s recent changes to its recreational marijuana laws. The decision clears a major procedural hurdle for advocates who want voters to weigh in on Senate Bill 56, a measure adopted by lawmakers late last year.
Yost’s approval follows an earlier setback for the group behind the effort, Ohioans for Cannabis Choice. In January, the AG rejected the group’s initial petition, saying the language did not meet legal standards. The campaign was required to revise and resubmit its proposal. In a letter issued Tuesday, Yost said the updated title and summary now meet the requirement of being “truthful and fair.”
With the attorney general’s approval and prior certification from Secretary of State Frank LaRose confirming the validity of the campaign’s first 1,000 signatures, the group can now begin collecting signatures statewide. To qualify for the ballot, the group must submit more than 248,000 valid signatures from registered voters across Ohio.
Supporters say they are ready to move ahead. Spokesman Dennis Willard said the campaign plans to begin gathering signatures throughout the state, arguing that many residents are frustrated by recent changes to marijuana law and want the chance to reject SB 56 at the polls.
The legislation, signed by Governor Mike DeWine on December 19, is scheduled to take effect next month. It makes significant changes to Ohio’s cannabis framework, including strict limits on hemp-derived products. Under the law, most intoxicating hemp products would become illegal to sell or possess.
Lawmakers initially included a provision that would have allowed more time for hemp-derived beverages to remain on the market, reflecting recent federal enforcement trends. Governor DeWine removed that exception using his line-item veto authority, saying it would create confusion.
SB 56 also revises parts of the adult-use marijuana system approved by voters in 2023. Among other changes, it would make it a state offense to store cannabis edibles out of their initial packaging. It also criminalizes possession of marijuana products legally purchased in other states.
The Ohio Cannabis Coalition (OHCANN) and the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, which led the campaign behind Issue 2, have spoken out against the referendum. Both organizations argue that the repeal campaign is being bankrolled primarily by hemp interests.
In a statement, David Bowling, OHCANN’s Executive Director, said the campaign is aimed at preserving profits for certain operators and would allow unsafe, unregulated products to continue circulating in Ohio.
These developments in Ohio will be closely watched by the broader cannabis industry, including leading firms like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY).
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