New Ohio Restrictions On Marijuana And Hemp THC Products Take Effect

Referendum push to block the law fails as businesses and consumers face uncertainty

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:19pm

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New restrictions on marijuana and hemp THC products in Ohio have taken effect after a referendum push to block the law failed. The changes made by Republican state lawmakers include new criminal charges, a ban on intoxicating hemp products, and reduced THC limits for adult-use marijuana. Businesses and consumers are facing uncertainty and potential disruption as a result of the new law.

Why it matters

The new restrictions are seen as benefiting the unregulated market and potentially leading to unnecessary arrests for behavior that was previously voter-approved. The law is also impacting businesses that produce and sell hemp and THC-infused products, forcing many to shut down or move out of state.

The details

Ohio Senate Bill 56 became law on Friday after a referendum push to block it failed. The law includes new criminal charges, a ban on intoxicating hemp products including THC and CBD beverages, and reduced THC limits for adult-use marijuana. Businesses that produce and sell hemp and THC-infused products are being forced to shut down or move out of state as a result of the new restrictions.

  • The new law took effect on Friday, March 19, 2026.
  • Ohio voters legalized recreational marijuana in 2023, with sales starting in August 2024 and totaling over $836 million in 2025.

The players

Ohio Senate Bill 56

The new law that includes restrictions on marijuana and hemp THC products in Ohio.

Ohioans for Cannabis Choice

The group that failed to get enough signatures to get a referendum on the November ballot to block the new law.

Joey Ellwood

A hemp farmer in Tuscarawas County who says the new law will affect 6,000 Ohio businesses.

Mark Fashian

The former president of hemp product wholesaler Midwest Analytical Solutions in Delaware, Ohio, who is now heading out of state due to the new law.

Ohio Cannabis Coalition

The group that is glad the new law is taking effect, saying it will prevent unregulated products from reaching children and strengthen public safety.

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What they’re saying

“Customers that seek our products out are often those very same customers that deal with stress, sleep, pain and anxiety, and they're not trying to get high. They might have to turn to pharmaceuticals. They might have to drive across state lines. It's really a big question mark. They might be forced into undue burden with the pain, stress, sleep, and anxiety.”

— Joey Ellwood, hemp farmer

“I know I can't sell it in Ohio anymore. [Friday] morning, I'd be considered a felon. It's just unheard of. I can't believe our politicians actually thought this was a good idea.”

— Mark Fashian, former president of hemp product wholesaler

“S.B. 56 gives law enforcement clear authority to ensure that intoxicating THC products are no longer freely sold to children through thousands of locations in Ohio. This law will prevent unregulated products from reaching children and strengthen public safety across Ohio.”

— David Bowling, OHCANN Executive Director

What’s next

A lawsuit was filed this week in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas to block the law from taking effect. The plaintiffs are asking for a temporary restraining order to pause the law.

The takeaway

The new restrictions in Ohio on marijuana and hemp THC products are seen as benefiting the unregulated market and potentially leading to unnecessary arrests, while also disrupting businesses that produce and sell these products. The law's impact on consumers and the ongoing legal challenges highlight the complex and evolving landscape around cannabis regulation in the state.