Ohio House Republicans Introduce Marijuana Bill with Fewer Restrictions Than Senate’s Version
The Ohio House of Representatives has introduced a new bill aimed at regulating marijuana, which is less restrictive than the Senate’s version. The bill, H.B. 160, was introduced by Finance Chair Brian Stewart and seeks to balance the will of the voters who passed Issue 2 in 2023 with the need for reasonable reforms.
Under the current law, individuals 21 and older can grow up to 12 plants per household and possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana. The law also established a 10% tax rate on marijuana sales, with revenue going to four different funds. The Ohio Senate’s version of the bill, S.B. 56, would reduce the THC content in products, limit home growing to six plants, and decrease the amount of marijuana individuals can possess.
In contrast, the House bill does not limit home growing, keeping the number of plants at 12 per household. It also keeps the level of possession the same, but reduces the THC content in products from a maximum of 90% to 70%. The bill also allows for more opportunities to smoke marijuana, including outside on a private property.
The House bill also addresses delta 8, a type of marijuana that is currently legal in Ohio. The bill would cap the THC concentration level at 0.03%, but allow it to be sold in packages with a total THC content of up to 2 milligrams per package. The bill would also change the way revenue from marijuana sales is distributed, with 20% going to local governments that have dispensaries for a period of five years.
Stewart argued that the bill respects the will of the voters, who passed Issue 2 with the understanding that marijuana laws would be subject to reasonable reforms. He also emphasized that the bill is not a significant departure from the original law, and that most of the changes are minor.
The bill has been met with criticism from some who feel that it does not go far enough in addressing the concerns of marijuana users. However, Stewart argued that the bill is a compromise that balances the needs of different stakeholders.
The bill is currently awaiting a vote in the House, and it is unclear when it will be considered by the Senate. If passed, it would go into effect on August 1, 2025.
