Ohio Republican lawmakers are making another attempt to reshape the state’s voter-approved marijuana legalization law. A newly introduced bill would hike cannabis taxes, slash the number of plants adults can grow, and eliminate social equity funding. While GOP leaders insist they won’t repeal the law, these proposed changes could dramatically alter the framework that voters overwhelmingly supported in 2023.
Higher Taxes, No Social Equity Funding
At the heart of the proposal is a tax hike. The excise tax on marijuana would jump from 10% to 15%, potentially making legal cannabis more expensive for consumers. That extra revenue, however, wouldn’t go toward the originally designated areas like social equity programs, local governments allowing cannabis businesses, or job initiatives. Instead, it would flow directly into the state’s general fund.
Senate President Rob McColley (R) backs the tax increase, arguing that legal marijuana comes with “societal costs.” He suggests lawmakers will discuss how to allocate the new revenue, but the plan to eliminate earmarked funding for social equity initiatives is already sparking opposition.
Home Cultivation Rights Take a Hit
Ohio adults currently have the right to grow up to 12 cannabis plants for personal use. If this bill passes, that number would be cut in half. Six plants per household would be the new limit, a move that critics say undercuts personal freedoms that voters approved.
There’s more. The proposal also lowers the maximum THC content allowed in cannabis products from 90% to 70%. While some argue this would prevent overly potent products from flooding the market, others see it as unnecessary government interference in a legal industry.
Fewer Dispensaries, No Home Delivery
The bill would cap the number of dispensaries at 350, limiting access in a market that’s still developing. Additionally, every licensed cannabis retailer would be required to serve both recreational and medical marijuana customers, blending the two markets.
One of the biggest potential setbacks for consumers? The elimination of rules allowing for marijuana deliveries and online purchases. That convenience is something many legal cannabis states offer, but under this proposal, Ohioans would have to visit physical dispensaries.
Democratic Pushback and Legislative Battle Ahead
Not surprisingly, Democrats are pushing back. Sen. Bill DeMora (D) didn’t hold back during a committee hearing, saying the bill tells voters:
“Screw you, you don’t know what you’re talking about.”
The concern among critics is that this bill does more than just tweak the law—it rewrites key provisions in ways that could undermine the will of voters.
Sen. Casey Weinstein (D) acknowledged there might be room for bipartisan support on issues like preventing marketing to minors and establishing clear usage guidelines. However, he called attempts to restrict home grow rights a “bridge too far.”
GOP Division: House Speaker Signals a Shift
Interestingly, the bill isn’t getting uniform support from all Republican leaders. House Speaker Matt Huffman (R) is taking a different stance, backing away from previous efforts to gut home cultivation rights entirely.
Last year, he supported proposals to criminalize cannabis obtained outside licensed retailers and significantly reduce the number of plants adults could grow. Now, he’s changed his tone, saying, “There’s lots of stuff that’s part of the Constitution and the law that are there that I don’t like.”
His softened approach could create friction between Senate and House Republicans, adding uncertainty to whether this bill will ultimately pass.
Legal Market and Sales Boom
Despite these legislative battles, Ohio’s legal cannabis industry is booming. By the end of 2024, adult-use marijuana sales had already surpassed $242 million, showing strong consumer demand.
Meanwhile, lawmakers are also expected to revisit regulations on hemp products. There’s been growing momentum to ban intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta-8 THC, an issue Gov. Mike DeWine (R) has pushed.
What’s Next?
With Ohio’s 2025 legislative session underway, expect more debates and possibly amendments to the proposal. Given the friction between Senate and House leadership, it’s unclear whether a final version will pass. However, one thing is certain—Ohio’s marijuana laws are far from settled.
