Bill > SB56

This bill establishes comprehensive regulations for marijuana in Ohio, covering both medical and adult-use marijuana, with several key provisions: This bill creates a framework for adult-use marijuana legalization, allowing individuals 21 and older to purchase, possess, and use marijuana. Adults can possess up to 2.5 ounces of plant material and 15 grams of extract, and can grow up to six plants per person (maximum 12 per household) at their primary residence. The bill establishes a licensing system for marijuana cultivation, processing, testing, and retail sales, with provisions for social equity in licensing, including requiring at least 15% of licenses be issued to owners from economically disadvantaged groups. The legislation introduces a 10% excise tax on adult-use marijuana sales, with 64% of tax revenues going to the general revenue fund and 36% distributed to host communities with licensed dispensaries. It creates robust regulatory mechanisms, including: 1. Establishing a Division of Cannabis Control to oversee marijuana-related activities 2. Implementing strict licensing and background check requirements for businesses 3. Creating packaging, labeling, and advertising restrictions 4. Prohibiting consumption in public places 5. Establishing home cultivation rules 6. Creating protections for medical marijuana patients 7. Providing mechanisms for expungement of certain prior marijuana-related convictions The bill also includes provisions for preventing youth access, including restrictions on marketing, requirements for age verification, and establishing a statewide youth cannabis prevention program. Additionally, it maintains workplace protections that allow employers to maintain drug-free workplace policies and provides guidelines for driving under the influence of marijuana. The legislation takes effect immediately, with some provisions becoming operative at different times, and includes a sunset provision for certain hemp-related regulations on December 31, 2026.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/sb56