Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost (R) has approved a resubmitted petition for a referendum seeking to block portions of a recently enacted law impacting marijuana and hemp regulations. The initial petition was rejected last month due to concerns it contained “omissions and misstatements.”
Referendum Details
The referendum, spearheaded by Ohioans for Cannabis Choice, aims to repeal key sections of a bill signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine (R) in December. This legislation scales back the state’s voter-approved marijuana law and prohibits the sale of consumable hemp products outside of licensed cannabis dispensaries. If successful, the referendum would prevent the law from taking effect until Ohio voters have the opportunity to weigh in at the ballot box.
Attorney General Yost clarified that his approval of the petition’s language does not signify an endorsement of its enforceability or constitutionality. His role was limited to verifying that the petition’s summary accurately reflects its contents for potential signers.
What’s at Stake?
The contested law not only restricts hemp sales but also recriminalizes certain marijuana activities previously legalized by voters in 2023. It would also eliminate anti-discrimination protections for cannabis consumers, impacting areas like child custody, organ transplants, and professional licensing. Furthermore, the governor vetoed a provision that would have delayed the ban on hemp beverages until December 31, 2026.
Next Steps
With the attorney general’s approval secured, Ohioans for Cannabis Choice must now collect approximately 250,000 signatures to place the referendum on the ballot. The deadline for signature collection coincides with the effective date of the law, meaning a successful petition could effectively pause its implementation. Governor DeWine’s office and a key senator involved in passing the bill have already voiced criticism of the referendum effort. Should the signatures be validated, Ohio voters would then decide whether to uphold the new law or revert to the previous regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this referendum seek to do?
The referendum seeks to repeal Sections 1, 2, and 3 of Amended Substitute Senate Bill 56, which relate to the regulation, criminalization, and taxation of cannabis products.
What happens if the referendum qualifies for the ballot?
If activists collect the required 250,000 signatures, the new law will not be implemented until voters have a chance to decide on the issue at the ballot.
What are some of the specific concerns with the new law?
The law recriminalizes possessing marijuana from sources other than licensed dispensaries, eliminates anti-discrimination protections for cannabis users, and bans smoking cannabis in outdoor public spaces.
How might this situation impact the future of cannabis regulation in Ohio?
