Ohio Advocates Gain Approval to Collect Signatures on Ballot Issue Opposing Cannabis Law Changes

Ohioans for Cannabis Choice aims to let voters decide on Senate Bill 56, which would alter recreational cannabis rules in the state.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 9:39am

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Citizen organizers in Ohio have received approval from the state's Attorney General to begin collecting signatures for a referendum on Senate Bill 56, a new law that would make major changes to the state's recreational cannabis regulations. The group, Ohioans for Cannabis Choice, has until March 19 to gather around 250,000 valid signatures to put the issue on the November ballot and allow Ohio voters to decide whether to repeal the new law.

Why it matters

The referendum effort highlights the ongoing debate over cannabis policy in Ohio, where voters approved recreational use in 2023 but lawmakers have now passed legislation to alter the rules. The outcome could have significant implications for the state's cannabis industry and consumers.

The details

Senate Bill 56, set to take effect on March 20, would introduce new charges for public cannabis consumption, including edibles, and restrict the sale of intoxicating hemp products outside of licensed dispensaries. Ohioans for Cannabis Choice argues the bill defies the will of voters who approved recreational cannabis in 2023, and could harm small businesses that rely on intoxicating hemp sales.

  • On February 4, 2026, the Ohio Attorney General's Office approved the referendum language proposed by Ohioans for Cannabis Choice.
  • Ohioans for Cannabis Choice has until March 19, 2026, the day before Senate Bill 56 is set to take effect, to collect and file around 250,000 valid signatures from around the state.
  • In November 2026, if the referendum effort is successful, Ohio voters will have the chance to decide whether to repeal Senate Bill 56.

The players

Ohioans for Cannabis Choice

A group of citizen organizers pursuing a referendum on Senate Bill 56, which would bring the law to a citizen vote if they can collect enough valid signatures.

Dave Yost

The Ohio Attorney General, who approved the referendum language proposed by Ohioans for Cannabis Choice, clearing the way for the group to begin collecting signatures.

Wesley Bryant

A petitioner and owner of 420 Craft Beverage in Cleveland, who said "S.B. 56 is mean-spirited and rife with unintended bad consequences, and we are going to give voters a chance to say no to this harmful legislation."

Dennis Willard

A spokesperson for Ohioans for Cannabis Choice, who said they are hoping to let Ohioans vote on S.B. 56 because they feel it defies voters' will.

Joey Ellwood

A petitioner and hemp farmer in Tuscarawas County, who said organizers are ready to start collecting signatures and that Ohioans already ruled on this when passing Issue 2 in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“S.B. 56 is mean-spirited and rife with unintended bad consequences, and we are going to give voters a chance to say no to this harmful legislation.”

— Wesley Bryant, Petitioner and owner of 420 Craft Beverage in Cleveland (wdtn.com)

“Ohioans already ruled on this when passing Issue 2, and will speak on the subject again in November if the referendum succeeds.”

— Joey Ellwood, Petitioner and hemp farmer in Tuscarawas County (wdtn.com)

What’s next

If the referendum effort is successful, Ohio voters will have the chance to decide whether to repeal Senate Bill 56 in November 2026.

The takeaway

The referendum effort highlights the ongoing debate over cannabis policy in Ohio, where voters approved recreational use in 2023 but lawmakers have now passed legislation to alter the rules. The outcome could have significant implications for the state's cannabis industry and consumers.