Ohio's Attorney General approved a revised referendum petition aimed at repealing key components of Senate Bill 56, a law that restricted the state's marijuana and hemp regulations. The referendum now moves to the signature collection phase to make the ballot, with the goal of blocking a law that recriminalizes certain marijuana activities, removes anti-discrimination protections, and bans most hemp product sales outside of licensed dispensaries.

Ohio Attorney General Greenlights Referendum to Reverse Recent Cannabis and Hemp Restrictions

Feb 3, 2026

Source:

Tom Angell

Marijuana Moment

Ohio’s Attorney General just gave the green light to a revised referendum petition that could be a total game-changer for the state's cannabis community. Led by Ohioans for Cannabis Choice, the movement aims to scrap the restrictive "Senate Bill 56," which basically tried to walk back the progress voters made in 2023. If the group can gather about 250,000 signatures, they can put a stop to new rules that recriminalize certain activities, strip away consumer protections, and effectively crush the local hemp market by forcing sales into limited dispensaries.

This is a massive deal for everyday tokers because it’s about respecting the will of the people. SB 56 doesn't just target hemp; it threatens anti-discrimination rights for users regarding child custody and professional licensing, and could even make it a crime to bring legal bud home from Michigan. By supporting this referendum, Ohio enthusiasts are fighting to keep their rights intact and ensure the industry remains accessible and fair. It's a reminder that the community has the power to push back when politicians try to mess with a good thing.