Major Changes To Ohio’s Marijuana Laws Could Be On The Way

Source: Janette Facknie Tasker / Getty

Major changes could be on the horizon for Ohio’s recently established marijuana laws.

Lawmakers who want weed laws adjusted secured a victory Wednesday by advancing a major bill that primarily affects the growing and taxation of marijuana.

Senate Bill 56 contains dozens of updates that could change how marijuana is legislated in the Buckeye State.

What changes could be coming?

A lot of the focus on the proposed updated marijuana rules in Ohio has to do with how much marijuana a person can legally grow. Ohioans can currently keep up to 12 plants in their home, but if Bill 56 passes, that number will be cut in half.

Bill 56 would also decrease legal THC levels, redefine where people can actively smoke, and cap the number of dispensaries in the state at 350.

The proposed bill would also have a major effect on vehicle passengers who smoke in the car.

From The Columbus Dispatch:

Under the proposal, courts would sentence first-time offenders to at least three days in jail. Those with prior violations could end up in jail or prison for 10 days to five years. By contrast, flouting the state’s open container law for alcohol is a minor misdemeanor.

Ohio Bill 56, if passed, will make the following changes:

Decreases the number of plants people can grow at home from 12 to six.
Prohibits people from gifting home-grown marijuana.
Permits smoking and vaping only at private residences.
Bans growing and smoking at homes that also serve as child care facilities.
Caps the number of active dispensaries statewide at 350.
Requires anyone driving with marijuana to store it in the trunk or ensure products are in their original packaging.
Eliminates a fund for substance use and addiction services and research.
Reduces the maximum cultivation space for large growers.
Gives the Division of Cannabis Control more authority to regulate advertising and prohibits advertisements that feature cartoons or other content targeted to children.

Senate Government Oversight Committee Chairperson Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson) claims that the proposed changes are about ensuring that Ohioans use marijuana responsibly and don’t pitch their products to children.

Next steps for Bill 56

Bill 56 has been approved by the Ohio Senate. Before it’s able to be signed into law by Gov. DeWine, it needs to pass through the Ohio House.

This is a developing story.

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Major Changes To Ohio’s Marijuana Laws Could Be On The Way was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc

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