State lawmakers in Ohio are likely to head into their summer recess without passing any revisions to the current cannabis regulations.
Senate Bill 56 (SB 56), which proposes revisions to Ohio’s recreational cannabis laws, has been stalled in the House Judiciary Committee for two consecutive weeks. The committee canceled a scheduled meeting this week, which only listed SB 56 on its agenda, and previously removed the bill from the agenda altogether.
“We’re hitting pause for the summer,” Representative Brian Stewart said. “We might come back to it later and try again.”
The Senate approved the bill in February, but it needs approval from the House before it can become law. House Speaker Matt Huffman explained that while the Senate is eager to move forward, the House doesn’t want to compromise its legislative goals just to pass the legislation quickly.
Currently, legislators are finalizing the state’s two-year budget, which must be finalized by July 1. Once that’s done, the legislature will begin its summer recess.
SB 56 proposes lowering the THC cap in recreational cannabis extracts from 90% to 70%, capping dispensaries at 400 locations, and restricting smoking in most public areas. It keeps the existing home-grow rules at six plants per adult and 12 per household. The bill, introduced in January by Senator Steve Huffman, originally aimed to cut the home-grow limit in half.
Voters approved recreational cannabis in 2023 through a citizen-led initiative, which passed with 57% support. Retail sales began in August 2024. Since the law originated from a citizen petition and not an amendment, lawmakers have the authority to amend it.
House Democrats argue that the bill undermines the will of the voters. Representative Dani Isaacsohn said, “Ohioans chose to legalize recreational cannabis. They understood the measure and supported it.”
Among the most debated provisions are new restrictions on hemp products. Currently, the bill states that only licensed dispensaries can sell the products, which would need to meet strict advertising, packaging, and labeling rules. However, stores like groceries, restaurants, and convenience shops can still sell hemp-infused beverages. Oversight would fall to the state’s Commerce Department.
Isaacsohn agrees that hemp rules are necessary but wants them handled separately. Meanwhile, Representative D.J. Swearingen, who had planned to present changes to the hemp portion of the bill, was unable to do so due to the canceled committee meeting.
He worked with the American Republic Policy on proposals that would let existing hemp businesses keep their doors open. Dakota Sawyer from the group said the goal was to prevent monopolies and allow small businesses to continue operating outside the dispensary model.
Governor DeWine and some lawmakers have voiced concerns about minors accessing hemp products. But Sawyer pointed out that the average Ohio hemp consumer is about 40 years old. He accused some legislators of exaggerating risks to justify restrictions.
Sawyer suggested splitting marijuana and hemp legislation into two separate bills, arguing that combining them only complicates progress.
The discussions in Ohio are likely to attract interest from far and wide, including from firms like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY), given how high the stakes are, including the regulation of hemp products within state borders.
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