Ohio Lawmakers Propose Changes to Recreational Marijuana Laws
Ohio lawmakers are pushing for revisions to the state’s recreational marijuana laws, which could have significant implications for businesses and consumers alike. The proposed changes, outlined in Senate Bill 56, aim to further protect children from the drug by limiting THC content in products sold and reducing the number of marijuana plants individuals can grow at home.
Since Ohio’s recreational marijuana law went into effect in August, the industry has seen significant growth, with over $346 million worth of recreational marijuana sold to date. However, some lawmakers are concerned that the current laws are not doing enough to protect children and that voters did not fully understand what they were voting for in 2023.
One of the proposed changes is to limit the THC content in products sold from 90% to 70%. This could have a significant impact on businesses like Consume, a new marijuana dispensary in Anderson Township, which has been booming since the law went into effect. Caitlin Duffy, an employee at Consume, expressed frustration with the constant changes to the law and the need for employees to stay up-to-date on the latest regulations.
Other lawmakers are concerned about marijuana advertisements appealing to children and believe that the current laws are not doing enough to protect them. Senator Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson) stated, “We do not want anything to do with marijuana being attractive to children.”
However, some voters, like Julie Tolliver of Batavia Township, disagree with the proposed changes. She believes that voters knew what they were getting when they voted to legalize marijuana in 2023 and that decisions like this should be made by residents, not lawmakers.
The proposed changes also include making it illegal for people to buy marijuana in another state and bring it back to Ohio, as well as doubling the marijuana sales tax from 10% to 20%. If passed, these changes would go into effect once signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine.
The bill will now be discussed by members of the Ohio House, where it will need to pass before being sent to the governor’s desk. The proposed changes have sparked debate among lawmakers, businesses, and consumers, highlighting the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding recreational marijuana in Ohio.
