Legislation aiming to make major changes to Ohio’s recreational marijuana law was passed in the state Senate Wednesday.
If Senate Bill 56 ultimately becomes law, it will enact tighter restrictions than what are in place now.
Republicans supporting Senate Bill 56 say it provides better oversight of testing, packaging, and advertising of marijuana and protects Ohio’s kids from exposure to the drug.
Democrats opposing the legislation say the restrictions in the bill go too far.
They argue it ignores what Ohioans wanted when they overwhelmingly voted to legalize recreational marijuana in 2023.
The bill passed in the Senate by a vote of 23-9 Wednesday afternoon.
The legislation calls for lowering the number of plants allowed to be grown at home from 12 to six.
It only permits the smoking or vaping of marijuana in private residences.
The bill would also lower the THC levels from a maximum of 90% to 70%, making marijuana less potent.
It caps the number of dispensaries in the state at 350. It also prohibits the marketing of marijuana to target children and youth.
