COLUMBUS, Ohio — Supporters of a proposed statewide ballot initiative aimed at repealing portions of Senate Bill 56, which changed Ohio’s cannabis laws, have cleared an initial step in the process after Attorney General Dave Yost approved the petition language Tuesday.
Approval of the summary language allows supporters to begin collecting signatures from registered Ohio voters. Under state law, organizers must gather at least 250,000 valid signatures to place the measure before voters in a future statewide election.
Senate Bill 56 made several changes to Ohio’s cannabis regulations following voter approval of recreational marijuana legalization. Lawmakers adjusted provisions related to regulation, taxation, licensing, and oversight of the state’s cannabis industry. The changes have drawn mixed reactions from advocates, industry stakeholders, and some lawmakers.
Supporters of the repeal effort argue the ballot initiative would restore or revise provisions they believe were altered from the original voter-approved framework. Opponents have said legislative changes were necessary to address regulatory and public safety concerns.
If supporters gather enough verified signatures, the proposed repeal would be placed on the ballot for voters to decide. Organizers have not yet announced a timeline for signature collection efforts.
