Ohio Governor Signs Senate Bill 56 Into Law, Overhauling Ohio’s Voter-Approved Marijuana Program

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today officially signed Senate Bill 56 into law, finalizing a sweeping rewrite of a voter-approved marijuana program after months of negotiations in the Legislature. The signing comes 10 days after lawmakers sent the measure to the governor’s desk, concluding a lengthy legislative process that revises the adult-use law approved by 57% of Ohio voters in 2023 and implemented with the launch of licensed recreational sales last August.

The new law significantly restructures several core elements of the state’s marijuana framework. Among the most notable changes is a broad expansion of restrictions on public consumption. While existing law largely treated marijuana smoking in public similar to tobacco, Senate Bill 56 makes it illegal to knowingly consume any adult-use marijuana product in a public place, including non-smoked products such as gummies. Although Issue 2 allowed public consumption of non-smoked products, that provision is now eliminated. Violations carry a minor misdemeanor and a fine of up to $150.

The law also prohibits possession of marijuana that was not purchased from a licensed Ohio dispensary, meaning cannabis legally obtained in another state may not be lawfully possessed within Ohio. Another provision tightens what qualifies as lawful paraphernalia by requiring the Division of Marijuana Control to establish an approved list of devices that may be made, sold, or possessed, with items outside that list potentially subject to restriction.

Transportation rules are also tightened. Any opened marijuana products, including edibles and vaporizers, must be stored in a vehicle’s trunk or behind the last upright seat if no trunk is present. Paraphernalia is subject to the same requirement, raising questions about enforcement in taxis, buses, and rideshare vehicles.

Voter-approved home grow rights remain intact, but the law introduces new criminal penalties for exceeding the six-plant-per-adult or 12-plant-per-residence limits. Depending on the number of excess plants, violations may range from a minor misdemeanor to a felony.

Senate Bill 56 also folds intoxicating hemp products into the regulated marijuana system. Hemp-derived THC products such as delta-8 gummies can no longer be sold in gas stations or convenience stores and will instead be limited to licensed dispensaries. Regulators are directed to establish packaging, testing, and labeling standards and to set a THC threshold defining what qualifies as an intoxicating hemp product.

The law further establishes a statewide cap of 400 combined adult-use marijuana dispensaries and intoxicating-hemp dispensaries.