During Tuesday’s Ohio Senate General Government Committee meeting, over a dozen persons voiced their opposition to a plan that would amend Ohio’s marijuana laws in a number of ways.
Last month, Ohio Senator Steve Huffman, a Republican from Tipp City, introduced Senate Bill 56, to which 40 witnesses testified against it.
According to Don Holztrager of Chronic Wellness LLC, this bill has nothing to do with consumer safety. This has nothing to do with responsible regulation. Control, corporate monopolies, and stifling competition are the main issues.
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Sen. Kristina Roegner, R-Hudson, chair of the Ohio Senate General Government Committee, passed a substitute bill that does not address revenue distributions or taxes. Originally, the bill would have increased the adult-use marijuana tax from 10% to 15% and transferred all proceeds to the state general fund.
There are various ways to allocate the present tax money. The Division of Cannabis Control and Tax Commissioner Fund receives 3%, the host community cannabis fund receives 36%, the substance abuse and addiction fund receives 25%, and the cannabis social equity and jobs fund receives 36%.
Some of the most significant changes to Ohio’s marijuana laws would include lowering the allowable THC level in adult-use marijuana extracts from 90% to 70% and restricting home cultivation from 12 plants to six if S.B. 56 is approved.
Additionally, the law would:
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Combine the state s medical and recreational marijuana programs under the Division of Cannabis Control.
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Require marijuana be transported in the trunk of a car when traveling.
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Clarify that marijuana is only allowed in a private residence.
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C
ap the number of active dispensaries at 350. There are currently
132 marijuana dispensaries in Ohio
as of Feb. 4, according to the Ohio Department of Commerce.
A number of those who testified opposed the restrictions on home cultivation.
According to Holztrager, the number of plants grown at home should be increased to at least six per adult, not per household. In order to create a flourishing small business ecosystem, home growers should also be able to test, sell to dispensaries, and create their own brands.
Sales of recreational marijuana began in August 2024 after Ohio voters approved a citizen-initiated law in 2023. The law can be changed by Ohio lawmakers because it was enacted as a voter initiative.
Opponents pointed out that this bill undoes the 2023 Ohio voter-passed legislation.
“It is not only a complete disregard for important policy elements of the initiated statute, but it also happens after the General Assembly had the chance to review and change the language and provisions of Issue 2 during the initiated statute process,” stated Gary Daniels, chief lobbyist for the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio.
The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Cannabis Control reports that as of Saturday, $333,124,769 worth of recreational marijuana was sold in the state.
Paragon Development Group owner Jason Wilson opposes reducing the TCH levels.
According to him, this is making it more difficult to give the client healing potencies. Additionally, forcing individuals to pay four to five times as much for the same quantity of THC to treat their conditions. This would make it more difficult for sick patients who are struggling financially to get healthy substitutes for addictive and harmful medications.
Some opponents said that the bill’s THC restrictions and other features would lure consumers to Michigan to purchase marijuana. Other opposing witnesses expressed their wish that expungement was part of the law.
According to Holztrager, people still have criminal records for crimes that are now lawful. This measure would incorporate automatic expungements and avenues for former offenders to reenter the sector if it genuinely supported justice and equity.
A potential committee vote on the bill was initially planned for Wednesday morning, but the meeting was called off.
Follow Megan Henry, a reporter with the Capital Journal, on Bluesky.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.