Ohio House lawmakers passed a bill allowing the expungement of some cannabis possession convictions (less than 2.5 ounces), which were legalized in 2023. The bill also adds restrictions to hemp products, bans public cannabis use, and sets THC caps on adult-use products. The measure needs negotiation between the House and Senate before going to Gov. Mike DeWine. To get a conviction expunged, applicants must submit paperwork and a $50 fee, providing proof the offense was for 2.5 ounces or less. A judge must grant the request unless a prosecutor objects, which can lead to a hearing within 45 to 90 days.

Low-Level Cannabis Expungement Provisions Included in Ohio Hemp and Cannabis Reforms Package

Oct 27, 2025

TG Branfalt

Ganjapreneur

A bill passed last week by Ohio House lawmakers would allow the expungement
of some cannabis-related convictions, Signal Cleveland reports. The
legislation would allow the expungement of possession convictions for less
than 2.5 ounces of cannabis, which was legalized by voters in 2023 as part
of the state’s adult cannabis use reforms.

The expungement provisions are included in a bill that adds new
restrictions to hemp products in the state, which also includes a ban on
public cannabis use and THC caps on adult-use products. The measure has
passed the Senate but still requires negotiation between the chambers
before sending a final package to Gov. Mike DeWine (R) for his signature.

As the process is currently laid out in the proposal, to get a conviction
expunged, applicants would need to submit paperwork – along with a $50 fee
– to the courthouse they were convicted in to provide proof that the
offense stemmed from 2.5 ounces of cannabis or less. A judge would be
forced to grant the application request unless the county prosecutor
objects. If a prosecutor does oppose the expungement, judges would have 45
to 90 days to hold a hearing and make a final decision.