Ohio Passes Hemp Regulation Bill with Major Changes to Marijuana Law
The Ohio House of Representatives has approved Senate Bill 56, a major piece of legislation aimed at reshaping the state’s marijuana laws and adding new rules for intoxicating hemp products. Lawmakers say the goal is clear: to protect children and teenagers from unregulated, high-THC items that have been widely available in stores.
The bill passed with a strong 86–8 vote and will now return to the Senate for final approval. Sponsored by Sen. Steve Huffman (R-Tipp City), it brings both tighter control and clearer safety standards to a growing industry that has outpaced regulation since Ohio legalized recreational marijuana in 2023.
Under this bill, only licensed dispensaries will be allowed to sell intoxicating hemp products, and only to adults age 21 and older. The dispensaries will need to follow strict rules for testing, packaging, advertising, and labeling, measures designed to keep products that look like candy or drinks out of the hands of children.
The bill also sets limits on how much THC (the chemical that causes intoxication) can be in hemp products and beverages. By closing loopholes in earlier laws, lawmakers hope to end the sale of strong hemp-based edibles and drinks in places where children might easily access them.
In addition to hemp changes, the bill adjusts parts of Ohio’s recreational marijuana program. It limits THC levels, bans public smoking, and gives local communities a share of marijuana sales revenue. However, it keeps the home-grow rule the same, up to six plants per person or twelve per household.
The state’s recent 90-day executive order banning intoxicating hemp sales, issued by Governor Mike DeWine, has been temporarily blocked in court, but the debate continues as the next hearing approaches on October 28.
Through all the legal and political discussions, one message stands out: Ohio’s children must be protected from early exposure to intoxicating substances.
Every child has the right to grow up safe from addictive and harmful products, to learn, play, and thrive in healthy environments free from the marketing and easy access of adult-use substances.
