Ohio lawmakers propose changes to cannabis legalization law

Ohio lawmakers have introduced two bills aimed at changing the state's cannabis legalization law, Issue 2, which was approved by voters in November 2023. The bills propose to reduce the number of cannabis plants individuals can grow from 12 to six and lower the THC limit for concentrates from 90% to 70%. Senate Bill 56, passed by the Ohio Senate, also includes new criminal penalties and bans public cannabis consumption. In contrast, House Bill 160, introduced in the House, maintains the 12-plant limit but also reduces the THC cap. Advocacy groups have criticized these changes, arguing they undermine the will of the voters who supported Issue 2. They claim the proposed legislation could lead to increased criminalization of cannabis-related activities.