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Ohio Senate Passes Bill 56: Major Changes to Cannabis Laws, Home Cultivation, and Public Use
📅 February 28, 2025 – By Anthony D Riley, Ohio Cannabis Live
In a controversial move, the Ohio Senate has passed Senate Bill 56, introducing significant changes to the state’s cannabis laws. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Steve Huffman (R-Tipp City), aims to consolidate Ohio’s medical and adult-use marijuana programs while implementing new restrictions on public consumption, home cultivation, and THC potency.
Supporters of the bill argue that it brings much-needed regulatory clarity and protections for the cannabis industry. However, critics claim it directly undermines the voter-approved legalization of adult-use cannabis in 2023 by adding new limitations that were not part of the original measure.
Now, SB 56 heads to the Ohio House of Representatives, where Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima) has indicated plans to introduce a corresponding version. The future of cannabis in Ohio will depend on whether the House makes any changes before the bill reaches Governor Mike DeWine’s desk.
Key Changes in Ohio Senate Bill 56
Public Consumption Ban
Under the new bill, public cannabis consumption is strictly prohibited. This means that cannabis use is now limited to private property, closing any legal gray areas for consumption in outdoor spaces or social-use lounges.
Home Cultivation Limits
The bill reduces the legal limit for homegrown cannabis plants from 12 to just six plants per household. Additionally, the sharing of homegrown cannabis with others will no longer be allowed. This change significantly impacts personal growers, many of whom had relied on sharing as a way to build community and ensure product quality.
New THC Potency Caps
Senate Ohio Bill 56 also introduces new restrictions on THC potency:
Flower products cannot exceed 35% THC
Concentrates and extracts cannot exceed 70% THC
The Ohio Department of Commerce retains the power to adjust these limits in the future.
Licensing & Business Regulations
The bill eliminates Level III cultivator licenses, which were meant for small and social equity businesses, reducing opportunities for new entrants into the market.
The total number of dispensary licenses will now be capped at 350 statewide.
It clarifies that employers can still enforce drug-free workplace policies, meaning workers can be fired for testing positive for cannabis use.
What’s Next?
With the Ohio House now set to debate the bill, cannabis consumers, business owners, and advocates will be watching closely. Some lawmakers, particularly Democrats like Sen. Bill DeMora (D-Columbus), have already voiced strong opposition, arguing that OHio SB 56 goes against the will of the people who voted for legal cannabis in 2023.
The outcome of this legislation will determine whether Ohio’s cannabis market remains consumer-friendly or becomes heavily restricted under the new rules. Advocacy groups are urging the public to contact their representatives and push for changes before the bill becomes law.
Stay tuned for updates on OhioCannabisLive.com as this story develops.
About the Author
Anthony D Riley is the founder of Ohio Cannabis Live, a leading platform dedicated to educating Ohioans about legal cannabis. As one of the first medical cannabis patients in the state, Anthony has spent years advocating for transparency, fair regulations, and consumer rights in Ohio’s cannabis industry. With over 1,000 videos and a dedicated community, he continues to provide up-to-date news, industry insights, and event coverage. Follow him on YouTube and Instagram