Central Ohio Today

State Representative Brian Stewart has introduced House Bill 160 in Columbus, aiming to update Ohio's marijuana laws and address concerns about intoxicating hemp. The bill maintains the legal adult-use marijuana provisions approved by voters in Issue 2 in 2023, while adding measures for child protection.

“House Bill 160 respects the will of the voters by preserving the core, adult-use marijuana features of Issue 2 while adding reasonable protections for Ohio children and addressing intoxicating hemp products that violate the spirit of that ballot initiative,” said Rep. Stewart.

The proposed legislation clarifies various aspects of adult marijuana use. It combines both adult and medicinal use provisions within the same section of the Ohio Revised Code. It specifies personal use on residential parcels rather than just inside residences and allows for pre-rolled product sales. Home-grow allowances are maintained, but cultivation is prohibited in halfway homes and recovery houses. Additionally, it eliminates the cannabis social equity and jobs fund.

To promote public safety, House Bill 160 restricts intoxicating hemp product sales to licensed dispensaries only. It enhances protections against false advertising or targeting products toward children. THC potency levels are reduced to 70% for extracts while maintaining a 35% threshold for plant material. Employers can still prohibit marijuana use and take action based on an employee’s involvement with marijuana.

The bill also permits expungement of convictions or guilty pleas related to now-legal possession amounts under current law.

Taxation remains at a 10% rate on adult-use marijuana, with receipts allocated to the General Revenue Fund (GRF). For four years, 20% of these receipts will be directed to local governments allowing dispensaries within their jurisdictions.

House Bill 160 is set to undergo committee review.