Ohio House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Reform Marijuana and Hemp Industries
In a significant move, the Ohio House has passed a bipartisan bill aimed at reforming both the marijuana and hemp industries. The bill, which was overwhelmingly approved, is seen as a major success by marijuana industry supporters, who believe it reflects the will of the voters who legalized recreational cannabis in 2023.
The bill, which is an amended version of Senate Bill 56, includes several key provisions aimed at regulating the marijuana industry. These include allowing home growing, restricting marketing that appeals to children, and giving cities with dispensaries a share of the tax revenue generated by cannabis sales.
Marijuana industry spokesperson Adrienne Robbins, of the Ohio Cannabis Coalition, praised the bill, saying it reflects the will of the voters who supported legalization. “We want to see that stay put,” she said.
The bill also sets up a legal framework to regulate hemp products, similar to marijuana. However, hemp sellers have expressed concerns about the cost of obtaining a license, which is significantly higher than the cost of a cannabis dispensary license.
Doug Strahm, a hemp seller, argued that the legislation is unfair and will financially burden many in the industry. “They’re looking at trying to financially knock people out of the business, and that’s not what this country’s all about,” he said.
House Finance Chair Brian Stewart, who worked with other lawmakers to craft the bill, defended the hemp provisions, saying they are aimed at ensuring the safety of children and adults who consume THC products. “It kind of balances – keep it away from kids, but also doesn’t put people out of business arbitrarily,” he said.
The bill now goes back to the Senate for negotiations, where it is expected to face some opposition. Senate President Rob McColley expressed concerns about the hemp provisions, saying some members of his caucus have issues with the bill.
The marijuana and hemp industries have long been rivals, with some dispensaries opposing the sale of hemp products without a full marijuana license. The bill’s passage is seen as a major victory for the marijuana industry, but its impact on the hemp industry remains uncertain.
