Marijuana supporters in Ohio are raising their voices against two new bills introduced to change the state’s current cannabis laws. They believe these bills completely ignore the will of the people who voted to legalize recreational marijuana in 2023.
Last week, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) held a webinar to talk about Senate Bill 56 and House Bill 160 — both of which aim to rewrite Ohio’s marijuana laws.
Paul Armentano, NORML’s Deputy Director, made a strong point during the session. He said, “Whether or not you think marijuana should be legal doesn’t even matter now. What matters is that the people of Ohio voted, and that vote should count. Elections have consequences.”
Marijuana Legalization in Ohio: What’s Happened So Far
In 2023, Ohio voters passed a citizen-initiated law to legalize recreational marijuana. This means that while the public approved the law, state lawmakers have the power to modify or change it afterward.
Sales of recreational marijuana officially began in August 2024. According to Ohio’s Department of Commerce Division of Cannabis Control, total sales have already hit $376 million as of last week.
Everything seems to be running smoothly. Morgan Fox, NORML’s Political Director, mentioned, “Ohio has been handling this well. There are no major complaints from people. It’s too early for lawmakers to interfere.”
What’s in Senate Bill 56 and House Bill 160?
Even though marijuana legalization has been working fine in Ohio, two bills are now threatening to make major changes:
Senate Bill 56 Highlights:
- Reduces homegrown marijuana plants from 12 to 6.
- Lowers THC levels in cannabis extracts from 90% to 70%.
- Limits marijuana usage strictly to private homes.
- Caps the number of dispensaries at 350 across Ohio.
- Requires marijuana to be transported only in a car’s trunk.
- Bans bringing marijuana bought from out-of-state (like Michigan) into Ohio.
- Allows people to apply for record expungement (but with a $50 fee).
NORML’s Armentano argues that reducing THC levels and limiting plants at home will do more harm than good. “Voters don’t like potency caps,” he said. “People won’t stop buying strong cannabis; instead, they’ll go to unregulated black markets. This will create more problems, not solve them.”
Cat Packer, Director at the Drug Policy Alliance, also raised concerns. She said, “These bills will make regular cannabis consumers in Ohio feel like criminals. If either bill passes, you could be breaking the law simply by sharing your marijuana with your spouse or roommate.”
Karen O’Keefe, Director of State Policies at the Marijuana Policy Project, echoed similar worries. She pointed out that under the new bill, sharing cannabis—even between family members—would be illegal again.
House Bill 160 Highlights:
- Keeps home grow rules and tax levels the same.
- Reduces THC levels similar to S.B. 56.
- Redirects most of the tax revenue away from current programs and into the state’s general fund.
Currently, marijuana tax revenue in Ohio is distributed like this:
- 36% to social equity and jobs fund
- 36% to the community cannabis fund
- 25% to the substance abuse and addiction fund
- 3% to administrative departments
If House Bill 160 passes, most of this money will instead go directly into the general fund, meaning fewer resources for addiction programs, local communities, and social equity efforts.
Why Advocates Are Angry
For marijuana advocates, the biggest frustration is that lawmakers are ignoring the clear message from Ohio voters. According to them, these bills are not about fixing any real problems but are more about exerting unnecessary control.
Armentano said, “This pushback isn’t happening because of any issues with the current law. Ohioans are happy, sales are going well, and there have been no serious problems. Lawmakers are pretending there’s a problem when there isn’t.”
Packer also warned that these bills might criminalize simple, everyday behaviors like sharing cannabis with friends or family. And cutting down on THC potency might not stop demand — it could instead push buyers to underground sellers.
What’s Next?
Senate Bill 56 has already passed the Ohio Senate and is waiting for a hearing in the House. House Bill 160 is still under discussion. Marijuana advocates are urging Ohioans to stay alert and raise their voices before these changes become law.
In the end, marijuana supporters feel that lawmakers are disrespecting the will of voters. They argue that Ohioans made their decision loud and clear in 2023 — and that decision should be honored without interference.
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