Ohio lawmakers have passed a bill that would make changes to Ohio’s marijuana and intoxicating hemp laws and policies. The bill, Senate Bill 56, passed the Senate 22-7 and now heads to Gov. Mike DeWine’s desk.

One thing the bill would do is essentially place Ohio’s adult-use marijuana program under the the Division of Cannabis Control which already regulates the medical marijuana program.

One change from the bill is regarding improper transportation, making it a serious violation that can result in both civil and criminal penalties, depending on the nature and severity of the violation.

The bill maintains federal interstate commerce restrictions, making it illegal to transport marijuana across state lines, regardless of its legal status in other states.

It all comes after Ohio voters approved legal recreational marijuana in 2023, with sales beginning in 2024.

The bill treats consumption of edibles and gummies the same as any other form of marijuana consumption – it must be done in private spaces, not public areas. This aligns with similar restrictions on public alcohol consumption in many jurisdictions.

One of the changes in the bill would be to move intoxicating hemp products out of general retail and into the regulated dispensary system, treating them more like marijuana products than traditional hemp products, making it so only those 21 and older can purchase the products.

According to the bill, the change is designed to provide better oversight and control over the products and ensure they’re sold in regulated environments.

The bill does allow for THC beverages to continue to be sold to those 21 and older through the end of 2026, with the stricter limits taking effect at the very end of that year.

The change comes after DeWine issued an emergency ban on intoxicating hemp products. The ban was blocked by a judge’s order as it continued to play out in court.

All changes will need to be approved and signed by DeWine.

Read more at WLWT