Ohio Hemp and Cannabis Bill Would Outlaw Possession of Out-of-State Products

The Ohio bill to place new restrictions on hemp-derived THC products in the state would also outlaw possession of cannabis products produced in other states, according to an analysis from the Legislative Service Commission.  

“For example, an adult-use consumer may legally possess and use marijuana acquired from an out-of-state dispensary under current law, whereas under the bill, out-of-state marijuana is contraband.” — Legislative Service Commission analysis of S.B. 56   

The analysis says that the legislation, which awaits Gov. Mike DeWine’s (R) signature, would make it a crime to possess cannabis that was acquired outside of the state’s Marijuana Control Law and only allow individuals to possess: 

Ohio voters in 2023 approved an adult-use legalization law that broadly allows possession of cannabis by adults 21-and-older. 

The legislation includes other changes to the state’s adult-use law, including capping THC in flower at 35% and capping THC in concentrates at 70%. The bill also includes expungement provisions for cannabis offenses legal under the adult use law and a ban on public cannabis consumption.