Ohio's DeWine Dismisses Cannabis Rollback Critics as Referendum Looms

Gov. Mike DeWine told cannabis advocates to stop "whining" about Ohio's new law restricting the state's marijuana market, even as organizers launch a referendum campaign to block key provisions of the legislation.

The Republican governor defended House Bill 86, which rolls back portions of Ohio's voter-approved recreational cannabis program and bans intoxicating hemp products. "People need to quit whining about it," DeWine said when asked about industry pushback against the law.

Ohio voters approved Issue 2 in November 2023, legalizing adult-use cannabis with 57% support. But the Republican-controlled legislature moved quickly to restrict the market. House Bill 86, signed by DeWine in January, increased taxes on cannabis sales, lowered THC limits for edibles, and gave local governments broader authority to ban dispensaries.

The Rollback Provisions

The law implements several restrictions that cannabis advocates say undermine voter intent. It raises the tax rate on recreational sales from 10% to 15%, reduces the THC cap for edibles from 1,100 mg per package to 220 mg, and prohibits dispensaries from opening within 500 feet of schools, daycares, or libraries—effectively blocking many potential locations.

Most controversially, HB 86 bans all hemp products containing more than 0.3% THC, shutting down Ohio's intoxicating hemp market that had operated in a legal gray area. Hemp retailers, who invested millions in storefronts and inventory, face closure by June 2025.

"This isn't about regulation—it's about restriction," said Tom Haren, an attorney representing cannabis businesses in Ohio. "The legislature took a voter-approved program and gutted it."

Referendum Campaign Begins

A coalition called Protect Ohio Cannabis has filed paperwork for a veto referendum targeting specific sections of HB 86. The group needs to collect roughly 124,000 valid signatures by June to place the measure on the November ballot.

If successful, the referendum would block provisions including the hemp ban and some local control measures while the law remains on hold pending the vote. Campaign organizers say they're confident about reaching the signature threshold.

"Ohioans spoke clearly when they voted for legalization," said coalition spokesperson Rachel Holt. "We're giving them a chance to speak again."

Industry Impact

Ohio's adult-use market launched in August 2024, generating $287 million in sales through December. The state collected $43 million in tax revenue during that period, according to the Division of Cannabis Control.

But industry operators say the new restrictions will limit growth. The reduced edible limits particularly concern manufacturers who produce high-dose products for medical patients and experienced users.

Hemp retailers face immediate pressure. An estimated 1,200 stores selling delta-8 THC and similar products must liquidate inventory or pivot to non-intoxicating products. Industry groups estimate the hemp sector employs 15,000 Ohioans.

What's Next

The referendum campaign has until June 26 to submit signatures. If verified, voters would decide the law's fate in November 2025. Meanwhile, the hemp ban takes effect in June 2024, giving retailers less than six months to comply.

DeWine has signaled no willingness to negotiate. The governor argues the legislature has authority to regulate voter-approved initiatives and that the changes protect public health.

"We passed a law. It's a good law," DeWine said. "The General Assembly did what it needed to do."

The confrontation mirrors battles in other states where legislatures modified voter-approved cannabis programs. Missouri lawmakers restricted home cultivation after voters legalized it. Montana's legislature imposed strict zoning rules following legalization. In each case, industry groups accused officials of subverting the will of voters.

Ohio's Division of Cannabis Control continues processing dispensary and cultivation licenses despite the political uncertainty. The agency has approved 127 dual-use dispensaries and 18 cultivation facilities for adult-use sales.

---

This article is based on original reporting by www.marijuanamoment.net.