Ohio’s marijuana rules look a little different on this 4/20.
April 20 is the unofficial holiday for cannabis culture, which often comes with plenty of marijuana consumption and deals at licensed dispensaries. This year, it’s also marked by frustration over changes to Ohio’s cannabis laws.
Senate Bill 56 took effect in March after opponents tried and failed to block it through a ballot referendum. The law restricted most hemp products, banned the sale of THC drinks at breweries and stores and changed the recreational marijuana law approved by voters in 2023.
Adult-use and medical marijuana remain legal, but some of the changes in Senate Bill 56 affect consumers. Here’s what you need to know.
It’s only legal to possess marijuana grown at home or purchased from a licensed Ohio dispensary. That means products from an out-of-state dispensary are technically a no-no.
That said, Senate Bill 56 doesn’t spell out how this will be enforced. It’s against federal law to transport marijuana across state lines, but that hasn’t stopped Ohioans from buying it in Michigan.
Marijuana extracts can contain a maximum of 70% THC, down from 90% under the voter-backed statute. Regulators at the Division of Cannabis Control can increase those limits if they choose.
Ohioans who drive with marijuana or marijuana paraphernalia must transport it in the original, sealed packaging or store opened products in the trunk. Homegrown cannabis also has to go in the trunk.
Anyone caught violating this rule will face a minor misdemeanor.
Marijuana previously fell under Ohio’s tobacco smoking ban, which carves out exceptions for patios, smoke shops and designated hotel rooms.
Senate Bill 56 bans the smoking and vaping of marijuana anywhere except a private residence. It’s also not allowed in transitional housing or homes that serve as childcare facilities.
The new law eliminates several protections for marijuana consumers. That means they can lose access to unemployment benefits, organ transplants, rental housing and parenting time based solely on cannabis use.
It also expands the ability of landlords to ban vaping.
Ohioans can apply for expungement if they were convicted before March 20, 2026, of possessing less than 100 grams of marijuana or 15 grams of hashish. The state defines hashish as a resin derived from the cannabis plant, either in solid or liquid form.
Qualifying offenses include:
Most people seeking expungement have to pay a $50 application fee.
(This story was updated to correct the law’s transportation requirements.)
State government reporter Haley BeMiller can be reached at hbemiller@usatodayco.com or @haleybemiller on X.