Senate Approves Conference Report on Huffman Bill Streamlining Ohio's Marijuana Laws

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate voted to approve the conference committee report on Senate Bill 56, sponsored by State Senator Steve Huffman (R-Tipp City). 

"After a longer than expected process, I'm pleased to see this bill finally receive approval by both chambers," said Senator Huffman. "Regulations that protect Ohio's children, without overriding the will of Ohioans, ensures proper oversight of our state's marijuana industry. I look forward to seeing the positive effects this bill will bring to our state." 

Senate Bill 56 sets regulation of Ohio's adult-use marijuana program under the purview of the Division of Cannabis Control which already regulates the medical marijuana program. The bill also sets a statutory cap of 400 total marijuana dispensaries with a one-mile buffer between each operation while also requiring that they not be within 500ft of a school, playground, or church. 

Additionally, the bill ends the sale in Ohio of unregulated, untested intoxicating hemp products to children and adults. This follows recent federal actions closing the intoxicating hemp loophole by reclassifying any product with more than 0.4mg of THC as marijuana. 

Following action by the conference committee, THC beverages will continue to be sold in Ohio until federal law comes into effect on November 12, 2026. The conference report sets tight regulations on these products including that they are to be sold only at liquor-licensed establishments, buyers must be at least 21 years old, and the beverages are to be tested and certified by the Division of Cannabis Control.