Are Changes Being Made to Ohio’s Marijuana Laws? Here’s What Opponents Are Saying

In 2024, Ohio opened the doors to legal recreational marijuana sales, marking a significant moment after voters passed Issue 2 with 57% of the vote in 2023. But the celebration didn’t last long for everyone. State lawmakers are already working to alter key provisions of the voter-approved law, sparking strong opposition from advocates, industry stakeholders, and everyday Ohioans who feel their voices are being ignored.

Two major bills, House Bill 160 and Senate Bill 56, are at the center of this controversy. Both propose sweeping changes to Ohio’s marijuana laws, ranging from THC limits to restrictions on public use and even changes to the home-grow limits. Opponents are calling it a direct attack on the democratic process and the newly launched marijuana industry.

What’s in House Bill 160? And Why Are So Many Against It?

House Bill 160, introduced by Rep. Brian Stewart, proposes the following changes:

• Reduce THC limits in marijuana extracts from 90% to 70%

• Cap the number of dispensaries in the state at 350

• Redirect marijuana tax revenue to the General Revenue Fund, instead of community programs

• Repeal the Cannabis Social Equity and Jobs Program

• Ban public consumption of marijuana

• Ban marijuana purchased in other states from being brought back to Ohio

• Mandate all THC products be sold only through licensed dispensaries

During a recent Judiciary Committee hearing, 35 individuals submitted formal testimony opposing the bill, while more than 20 people appeared in person to testify. Critics argue that the bill is a thinly veiled effort to gut Issue 2.

Gary Daniels of the ACLU of Ohio said:

“At worst, these changes can be interpreted as purposeful, designed to kneecap Issue 2. At the least, these changes fundamentally handicap the purchase, use, transportation, and sale of marijuana in the state.”

Opponents also slammed the bill for failing to align with the original promise to regulate marijuana like alcohol. Karen O’Keefe of the Marijuana Policy Project pointed out the irony: “Would you ban possessing bourbon purchased in Kentucky?”

Another Threat to Voter-Approved Marijuana Law

On the Senate side, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 56 earlier this year. While similar to H.B. 160 in several ways, such as THC caps and private-use restrictions, S.B. 56 goes a step further by limiting Ohio's home-grow from 12 plants to 6.

S.B. 56 would also combine the state’s medical and recreational marijuana programs under the Division of Cannabis Control. While some see this as an attempt to streamline regulation, others worry it could dilute patient protections or reduce medical access over time.

Not All Dispensaries Are Open for Recreational Sales Yet

Despite the official launch of recreational marijuana, only dispensaries with a dual-use license are permitted to sell to adult-use customers. This means access remains limited, especially in areas where local municipalities opted out or where licenses are still pending.

For many Ohioans eager to participate in the recreational market, this rollout has been frustratingly slow and incomplete. In contrast, medical marijuana patients continue to enjoy full access across the state.

Why Getting a Medical Marijuana Card Still Makes Sense in Ohio

Even with recreational marijuana now legal, getting your Ohio medical marijuana card is still the smarter choice for those who qualify. Here’s why:

No 10% Excise Tax

Recreational marijuana purchases in Ohio are subject to a 10% marijuana tax in addition to standard city and county sales taxes. Medical marijuana patients are exempt from this excise tax, saving substantial money over time.

Higher Purchase Limits

Medical patients are allowed to purchase and possess larger quantities of marijuana than recreational customers. This is especially important for those using marijuana to manage chronic conditions that require consistent, therapeutic dosing.

Exclusive Discounts and Deals

Most dispensaries in Ohio offer special deals exclusively for medical patients, including daily discounts, loyalty programs, and product bundles. You can find more information on your local dispensary's offerings on our dispensary page.

Lawmakers May Be Shifting the Goalposts

While recreational marijuana is finally here in Ohio, its long-term shape is still up in the air. Lawmakers have the power to amend Issue 2 since it was passed as a citizen-initiated statute, and that’s exactly what they’re trying to do.

Proposals like H.B. 160 and S.B. 56 threaten to:

• Undermine voter intent

• Restrict patient and consumer choice

• Weaken Ohio’s developing marijuana market

• Cut social equity initiatives

• Limit access to safe, tested marijuana products

Whether these changes will pass remains to be seen. But in the meantime, Ohioans who rely on marijuana for medical use should strongly consider obtaining or renewing their medical marijuana card to maintain access, affordability, and protections.

Summary

Ohio's marijuana laws are evolving fast, and not always in the direction voters expected. With lawmakers proposing major restrictions just months after the recreational market opened, it's more important than ever to stay informed and protected.

Whether you’re a patient or a consumer, having a medical marijuana card gives you more control, lower costs, and better access in an uncertain regulatory landscape. Stay tuned for more updates, and if you're considering getting your medical marijuana card, don’t wait, it's the most reliable way to ensure uninterrupted access in Ohio's changing marijuana market.

Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today!

Having a medical marijuana card in Ohio offers numerous benefits over recreational use. With your medical card, you gain access to higher-quality, lab-tested products, personalized care from knowledgeable physicians, and exclusive dispensary discounts, ensuring you receive safe, effective, and affordable relief. Not to mention, the tax savings are significant when you have your medical card. 

Ohio’s medical marijuana program is tailored to prioritize patients’ needs, with evolving qualifying conditions and a commitment to improving access. Whether you’re managing chronic pain, anxiety, or another condition, your medical card empowers you to shop at licensed dispensaries with confidence, knowing you’re receiving products designed specifically for therapeutic use.

Thanks to telemedicine, obtaining your card is simple, quick, and convenient. With an Ohio Marijuana Card, you can complete your evaluation and receive a recommendation on the same day—all from the comfort of home! Schedule your appointment today!

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Doctors Who Care

Relief You Can Trust

At Ohio Marijuana Card, we’re here to make the process easy and stress-free. Our team is dedicated to helping you unlock the full benefits of Ohio’s medical marijuana program while improving your overall quality of life.

Don’t wait to start feeling better. Call us at (866) 457-5559 or schedule your evaluation today, and take advantage of the many benefits a medical card has to offer!