Ohio Advocates Announce Campaign to Undo Recent Hemp and Cannabis Reforms

By TG Branfalt

Advocates with the group Ohioans for Cannabis Choice announced they will seek to overturn the strict hemp and cannabis industry regulations recently enacted in the state.

Full story after the jump.

Ohioans for Cannabis Choice launch referendum campaign to overturn SB 56 hemp restrictions — Advocates announced a campaign to collect 250,000 signatures to overturn Ohio’s Senate Bill 56

Advocates in Ohio are planning a citizen referendum to roll back the sweeping cannabis and hemp reforms recently signed into law by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, Cleveland.com reports. Dennis Willard, a spokesperson for Ohioans for Cannabis Choice, which is leading the effort, told Cleveland.com that the hemp and cannabis reform legislation “forcefully defies the will of the voters of Ohio” who legalized cannabis for adult use in 2023.

“We are launching a referendum campaign to go directly to the voters. We believe voters will say no to government overreach, no to closing 6,000 small businesses and pink-slipping thousands of workers across the state, and no to once again recriminalizing hemp and marijuana.” — Willard to Cleveland.com

Ohioans for Cannabis Choice must first file with Secretary of State Frank LaRose at least 1,000 valid signatures from registered Ohio voters to begin the process. Those signatures must be verified by LaRose’s office, which will then certify the petition. Petitioners must then gather enough signatures to qualify for the ballot – a total equal to 6% of the votes cast in the most recent gubernatorial election, or about 250,000 signatures, which must come from at least 44 of Ohio’s 88 counties.

The bill targeted by the campaign outlaws all intoxicating hemp products in the state and criminalizes the possession of adult-use cannabis products obtained out of state. It is set to take effect in March, 90 days after it was signed into law by DeWine.

Ohio advocates launch referendum campaign to overturn hemp and cannabis reforms under Senate Bill 56 — Ohio cannabis advocates announced a campaign to undo Senate Bill 56, which restricts hemp sales and rolls back voter-approved marijuana legalization.

🌿 Best FAQ – Ohio Hemp & Cannabis Reform Campaign

What is Senate Bill 56 in Ohio?

Senate Bill 56, signed in December 2025, restricts the sale of intoxicating hemp products (like Delta‑8 THC gummies and drinks) to licensed cannabis dispensaries and rolls back parts of Ohio’s voter‑approved marijuana legalization.

Why are advocates launching a referendum campaign?

Advocates argue SB 56 defies the will of voters who approved recreational cannabis in 2023. They want to overturn the law to protect hemp businesses and consumer access.

How many signatures are needed to qualify the referendum?

The group Ohioans for Cannabis Choice must collect about 250,000 valid signatures within 90 days to place the referendum on the ballot.

How does SB 56 affect hemp businesses?

Hemp retailers outside dispensaries could face closures, as the law restricts sales of intoxicating hemp products to licensed cannabis dispensaries only.

. What happens if the referendum qualifies for the ballot?

If enough signatures are collected, SB 56’s implementation will be paused until voters decide in the next election whether to upho. What happens if the referendum qualifies for the ballot?ld or overturn the law.

How does Senate Bill 56 affect Ohio consumers?

Consumers can only purchase intoxicating hemp products, such as Delta‑8 THC gummies and drinks, from licensed cannabis dispensaries, reducing access compared to previous retail options

. What is the economic impact of SB 56 on hemp businesses?

Hemp retailers outside dispensaries may face closures or revenue losses, as the law restricts product sales to dispensary channels only.

What role did voters play in Ohio’s cannabis legalization?

In 2023, Ohio voters approved recreational cannabis with 57% support, but SB 56 rolls back parts of that legalization, sparking controversy.

What happens if advocates fail to collect enough signatures?

If the campaign does not gather the required 250,000 valid signatures within 90 days, SB 56 will remain in effect without voter review.

. Why do critics say SB 56 undermines democracy?

Critics argue that SB 56 overrides the will of the voters, replacing a citizen‑approved cannabis framework with legislative restrictions that favor dispensary operators.

🌿 Best FAQ – Ohio Hemp & Cannabis Reform Campaign

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