Ohio Hemp and Cannabis Bill Would Outlaw Possession of Out-of-State Products

The Ohio bill to place new restrictions on hemp-derived THC products in the
state would also outlaw possession of cannabis products produced in other
states, according to an analysis from the Legislative Service Commission.

“For example, an adult-use consumer may legally possess and use marijuana
acquired from an out-of-state dispensary under current law, whereas under
the bill, out-of-state marijuana is contraband.” — Legislative Service
Commission analysis of S.B. 56

The analysis says that the legislation, which awaits Gov. Mike DeWine’s (R)
signature, would make it a crime to possess cannabis that
was acquired outside of the state’s Marijuana Control Law and only allow
individuals to possess:

- Medical marijuana cultivated, processed, dispensed, and tested for a
medical purpose in accordance with the Marijuana Control Law;
- Adult-use marijuana cultivated, processed, dispensed, and tested in
accordance with the Marijuana Control Law; and
- Homegrown marijuana cultivated, grown, and processed at the adult-use
consumer’s primary residence in accordance with the Marijuana Control Law.

Ohio voters in 2023 approved an adult-use legalization law that broadly
allows possession of cannabis by adults 21-and-older.

The legislation includes other changes to the state’s adult-use law,
including capping THC in flower at 35% and capping THC in concentrates at
70%. The bill also includes expungement provisions for cannabis offenses
legal under the adult use law and a ban on public cannabis consumption.