Ohio Lawmakers Advance Bill to Strengthen Marijuana and Hemp Regulations
The Ohio House of Representatives has passed Senate Bill 56, a measure aimed at addressing concerns surrounding the state’s recreational marijuana program. The bill includes several key provisions, including bans on smoking and vaping marijuana in public places and restrictions on purchasing marijuana from out-of-state dispensaries.
The legislation also caps the amount of THC in certain products and introduces new rules for intoxicating hemp, which has been operating in a legal gray area for some time. According to lawmakers, the bill is designed to protect children from being targeted by products that resemble toys and candy.
Under the proposed law, restaurants and bars would still be able to sell low-THC beverages, but other intoxicating hemp products would only be available at licensed stores. A new tax of $1.25 per gallon would also be imposed on intoxicating hemp sales.
The bill does not affect CBD products, which do not have intoxicating effects. Jason Friedman, owner of several CBD stores in Greater Cincinnati, expressed optimism about the proposal, saying it has been a “roller coaster of emotions” since the governor’s executive order banning the sale of intoxicating hemp was issued earlier this month.
The bill now returns to the Senate for approval or rejection of the changes made by the House. If it passes, it will head to the governor’s desk for signature.
