Ohio House Passes Bill to Regulate THC Drinks, Hemp, and Public Marijuana Use
The Ohio House of Representatives has passed a bill that aims to regulate the use of marijuana and intoxicating hemp in the state. The bill, Senate Bill 56, makes several significant changes to the state’s recreational marijuana program, which was approved by voters in 2023.
One of the key provisions of the bill is a ban on smoking or vaping marijuana in public places, except for private residences. This is a significant change from the current law, which allows for the use of marijuana in outdoor patios, hotel smoking rooms, and vape shops.
The bill also sets regulations for intoxicating hemp, which is a type of cannabis that contains THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. The bill allows for the sale of intoxicating hemp in licensed dispensaries, but only to individuals 21 years or older.
Additionally, the bill caps the THC content for flower at 35% and 70% for extracts, and allows for the expungement of low-level marijuana convictions. It also allocates 36% of marijuana tax revenue to cities with dispensaries, which is expected to generate $96 million over the next two years.
The bill was passed with bipartisan support, with some lawmakers expressing concerns that it does not go far enough in expanding the program and making it easier for Ohioans to expunge their criminal records.
The bill now heads to the Senate, where lawmakers are expected to consider it further. If passed, it would mark a significant step forward in the regulation of marijuana and intoxicating hemp in Ohio.
