Ohio Marijuana Legalization Bill Advances Amid Push for New Hemp Regulations

Ohio lawmakers are once again in the national spotlight as the Ohio marijuana legalization bill moves through the legislature. The measure, originally passed by voters in 2023, is being reworked to include hemp regulations and align both industries under one framework. While some controversial provisions were scaled back, advocates warn that the proposed changes could roll back the very freedoms Ohioans voted to protect.

This debate reflects a broader national shift in cannabis policy, as states revisit voter-approved measures to fine-tune taxation, potency limits, and hemp-derived product oversight in response to market growth and regulatory gaps.

Key Takeaways

• The Ohio marijuana legalization bill aims to align hemp and cannabis under shared potency and advertising rules.
• Lawmakers approved amendments to restrict the sale of intoxicating hemp products to licensed dispensaries.
• Critics argue the bill weakens voter-approved protections for cannabis consumers.
• The proposal includes a new tax on hemp beverages and limits on THC potency for on-site consumption.
• Expungement provisions were discussed but remain limited to court petitions rather than automatic relief.

Lawmakers Seek to “Align” Marijuana and Hemp Rules

During a tense House Judiciary Committee session, legislators approved revisions to the Ohio marijuana legalization bill that merge marijuana and hemp oversight. According to Rep. Brian Stewart (R), the goal is to treat hemp “like marijuana,” applying the same potency limits, advertising restrictions, and sales standards.

Under the amended proposal, stores and breweries could sell hemp-derived THC drinks, but only under new guidelines. On-site consumption beverages would be capped at 5 mg of THC, while take-home versions could contain up to 10 mg. Manufacturers could still create stronger beverages for out-of-state sales, offering a new export opportunity.

The legislation also introduces a $1.20-per-gallon tax on hemp beverages and establishes pathways for licensed hemp dispensaries, aiming to prevent sales in gas stations and grocery stores that serve minors.

Critics Say the Bill Rolls Back Voter Protections

While lawmakers claim the bill refines Ohio’s legalization framework, cannabis advocates see it as a major step backward.

Karen O’Keefe of the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) described the proposal as “profoundly disappointing,” warning that it could criminalize cannabis possession from any source other than a state-licensed dispensary or home grow.

Advocates are particularly concerned about the removal of anti-discrimination protections, which currently prevent cannabis users from losing jobs, custody rights, or professional licenses. Critics argue the move “guts” the intent of the voter-approved initiative by reintroducing penalties and restrictions.

“The bill would lead to interrogations over cannabis sources and arrests for behavior voters already legalized,” O’Keefe wrote in a letter to the committee.

Expungement Reforms and Criminal Penalties Under Debate

Lawmakers also debated expungement provisions for people with past cannabis convictions. Stewart confirmed that individuals could petition courts to seal prior possession records, though the process would not be automatic.

An amendment from Rep. Josh Williams (R) adds that the state must defend any denial of a sealing request, aiming to make the process fairer.

Still, concerns remain about disparities in penalties for sales to minors. Lawmakers noted that selling marijuana or hemp to someone under 21 would carry stiffer penalties than alcohol-related offenses. “There’s still a view that we’re more concerned about selling kids weed than Miller Lite,” Stewart said.

Governor DeWine and GOP Leadership Divided

Governor Mike DeWine (R) recently imposed a 90-day emergency ban on intoxicating hemp sales, urging lawmakers to craft permanent regulations. However, a county judge later blocked the enforcement of that order following a legal challenge.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Matt Huffman (R) acknowledged divisions within the Republican caucus. Some members want regulated legalization, others want hemp parity, and a smaller group remains staunchly prohibitionist.

“I would say the prohibitionists have largely lost this discussion,” Huffman admitted, signaling that despite ideological divides, the state is unlikely to revert to total prohibition.

Conclusion

As the Ohio marijuana legalization bill heads to the Rules and Finance Committees, the stakes are high. Lawmakers claim the revisions will bring clarity and structure, but critics see them as an attempt to undermine voter-approved cannabis freedoms. With hemp beverages, tax frameworks, and consumer protections all on the table, Ohio’s cannabis policy is at a crossroads—one that could define the state’s relationship with legal cannabis for years to come.