Ohio Lawmakers Hear Testimony Against Bill to Undermine Voter-Approved Marijuana Law
A bill aimed at making significant changes to Ohio’s marijuana legalization law, which was passed by voters in 2023, has sparked opposition from advocacy groups, local governments, and individuals. The bill, HB 160, would create new criminal penalties, eliminate equity programs, and impose additional limits on legal products.
At a hearing of the House Judiciary Committee, lawmakers heard testimony from advocacy groups, local governments, businesses, and individuals who spoke out against the proposal. The bill’s critics argue that it would undermine the will of the voters and put consumers at risk.
Gary Daniels, chief lobbyist for the ACLU of Ohio, said that the bill’s provisions would “dismantle key parts of current Ohio law enacted by your constituents.” He noted that the bill would impose criminal penalties on individuals who share marijuana with others or give it as a gift, and would also prohibit the sharing of homegrown cannabis.
Karen O’Keefe, director of state policies for the Marijuana Policy Project, testified that the bill’s restrictions would “swallow the rule” of legalization. She pointed out that the bill would limit THC in cannabis products to 70 percent, prevent state regulators from adjusting or eliminating THC limits, and cap the number of active dispensaries statewide at 350.
Other critics of the bill include local governments, which are concerned about the impact on their tax revenue. Lexi Lausten, chair of the Anderson Township Board of Township Trustees, requested that lawmakers ensure that funding for host communities is included in the bill. Anderson Township had expected to receive $1.5 million annually in marijuana host community fees, which would be used to support the municipality’s general fund.
Despite the opposition, the bill’s supporters argue that it would address concerns about public safety and the black market. Louis Tobin, executive director of the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association, said that the bill would “largely address what our association believes to be some of the priority issues with adult-use marijuana.” He noted that the bill would reduce the allowed homegrow limit from 12 plants to six and impose stricter penalties for growing more than the allowed limit.
The bill’s fate is uncertain, as it still needs to be voted on by the full House and Senate. The Ohio Senate has already passed a separate bill, SB 56, which includes some of the same restrictions as HB 160. The governor has also proposed a budget measure that would reallocate marijuana tax revenue to support police training and local jails.
