Low-Level Cannabis Expungement Provisions Included in Ohio Hemp and Cannabis Reforms Package 

A bill passed last week by Ohio House lawmakers would allow the expungement of some cannabis-related convictions, Signal Cleveland reports. The legislation would allow the expungement of possession convictions for less than 2.5 ounces of cannabis, which was legalized by voters in 2023 as part of the state’s adult cannabis use reforms.  

The expungement provisions are included in a bill that adds new restrictions to hemp products in the state, which also includes a ban on public cannabis use and THC caps on adult-use products. The measure has passed the Senate but still requires negotiation between the chambers before sending a final package to Gov. Mike DeWine (R) for his signature.   

As the process is currently laid out in the proposal, to get a conviction expunged, applicants would need to submit paperwork – along with a $50 fee – to the courthouse they were convicted in to provide proof that the offense stemmed from 2.5 ounces of cannabis or less. A judge would be forced to grant the application request unless the county prosecutor objects. If a prosecutor does oppose the expungement, judges would have 45 to 90 days to hold a hearing and make a final decision.