COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — State senators are expected to vote on whether to advance sweeping marijuana law changes.
Senate Bill 56 will receive a final vote Tuesday in the Ohio Senate, and if passed, it will head to Gov. Mike DeWine. The bill would make significant adjustments to Ohio’s recreational cannabis use laws, including new legal charges for things like improper transportation. See previous coverage of S.B. 56 in the video player above.
In 2023, 57% of Ohio voters approved legal recreational marijuana, and sales began in August 2024. Originally introduced in January, Senate Bill 56 has received significant pushback, with opponents arguing the bill encroaches on voter-approved cannabis laws. After months of debate, the House approved changes to the bill on Nov. 19, sending it to the Senate for Tuesday’s vote.
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One change could stop Ohioans from using gummies or edibles in public spaces in threat of a minor misdemeanor charge. Current law treats smoking cannabis in public similarly to smoking tobacco products, so it is only permissible on private property with permission…