Ohioans for Cannabis Choice is collecting over 248,000 signatures by a March 19 deadline to get a referendum on the November ballot that would block Senate Bill 56, a new law that modifies the state's recreational marijuana rules and bans intoxicating hemp products. The bill, which reduces THC concentration caps, prohibits public smoking, and criminalizes bringing out-of-state marijuana into Ohio, is opposed by activists, hemp farmers, and business owners who argue it will harm patients and abolish competition.

Ohio Activists Fight Back: Signature Drive Aims to Stop New Limits on Weed and Hemp Products

Feb 11, 2026

Source:

Marijuana Moment

Ohio activists are rallying to protect the progress they’ve made, launching a high-stakes signature drive to block Senate Bill 56. This new legislation threatens to roll back the voter-approved recreational market by slashing THC caps, banning hemp products, and criminalizing out-of-state cannabis. With a tight March 19 deadline, "Ohioans for Cannabis Choice" needs over 248,000 signatures to put the issue back on the ballot this November. Advocates and small business owners are rightfully frustrated, viewing these moves as a government attempt to stifle competition and limit access for patients who rely on hemp and high-potency extracts for wellness.

This is a critical moment for Ohio tokers because it’s a direct fight against legislative overreach. If the referendum fails, enthusiasts will face more restrictions on where they can smoke and what products they can buy. For the community, this isn't just about politics—it’s about preserving the freedom to choose safe, effective cannabis products without the government moving the goalposts after the people have already spoken.