CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO — A new Ohio law regulating marijuana and hemp products takes effect today, bringing changes that will impact how cannabis is sold and distributed across the state.
Senate Bill 56 introduces a series of new rules following Ohio voters’ decision to legalize recreational marijuana in 2023.
Among the key changes, the law bans the sale of certain unregulated intoxicating hemp products that had previously been available at locations such as gas stations and smoke shops.
The legislation also places limits on the number and location of marijuana dispensaries. Under the new rules, the total number of dispensaries statewide will be capped at 400, with distance requirements between locations and restrictions on how close they can operate near schools, playgrounds, and churches.
In addition, oversight of adult-use cannabis will now fall under the state’s Division of Cannabis Control, as officials move toward a more tightly regulated system.
Efforts to challenge the law and put the issue back to voters later this year were unsuccessful after organizers failed to gather enough signatures to qualify for the ballot.
Despite the new restrictions, legal marijuana remains available to adults through licensed dispensaries across Ohio.
