Rep. Sigrist Votes "YES" on SB 56, Protecting Public Health and Honoring Will of Ohio Voters

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Mark Sigrist (D-Grove City) today released the following statement on the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 56, a bipartisan measure that reforms Ohio’s adult-use cannabis laws and establishes a regulatory framework for intoxicating hemp products.

“SB 56 strikes a thoughtful balance on what is nearly a billion-dollar industry in Ohio. We uphold voters’ intent, support a lawful and transparent industry, and safeguard public health and safety, particularly by restricting access for minors and strengthening regulatory standards,” said Rep. Sigrist. “This legislation protects children from accessing intoxicating substances, strengthens expungement provisions by eliminating unnecessary burdens for misdemeanor offenses, and allows responsible businesses the ability to continue selling hemp and drinkable cannabinoid products with consistent and fair oversight.”

The major components of SB 56 include:

• Establishes clear, enforceable standards for intoxicating hemp products by subjecting them to robust testing, labeling, packaging, and advertising requirements. Only a licensed hemp dispensary will be able to sell intoxicating hemp products to adults 21 and older;  
• Respects the will of Ohio voters by preserving the rights to consume and access cannabis and hemp products, especially drinkable cannabinoid products (DCP) which were previously banned under Governor DeWine’s executive order. Additionally, it maintains Issue 2’s provision regarding home grow, allowing six plants per person and 12 plants per residence;
• Creates a path to record expungement and reintegration by establishing a process for certain low-level marijuana convictions, giving eligible Ohioans a chance to clear records of offenses that are no longer crimes under current law. This promotes fairness, economic opportunity, and workforce participation; and
• Protects and maintains the Issue 2 provision directing 36% of adult-use marijuana sale revenue to municipalities and townships that host recreational dispensaries.

This bill passed the Ohio House by a vote of 87-8 and now heads to the Senate for a concurrence vote.