To: The Ohio House of Representatives, Governor of Ohio, and Concerned Citizens of Ohio

We, the undersigned citizens of Ohio, demand the immediate repeal of Senate Bill 56 (SB 56) and call on the Governor to veto or overturn this legislation. SB 56, passed by the Ohio Senate on February 26, 2025, directly undermines the will of Ohio voters who overwhelmingly supported the legalization of recreational marijuana in 2023.

This bill is a betrayal of democracy and a direct attack on the rights of Ohioans.

Why SB 56 Must Be Repealed:

• Reduction of Home Cultivation Rights: Reduces the number of plants an individual can legally grow from 12 to 6.
• Imposition of THC Potency Limits: Lowers the maximum THC content from 90% to 70%, pushing consumers to illicit markets.
• Cap on Dispensaries: Limits total dispensaries to 350 statewide, reducing accessibility and favoring corporate interests.
• Elimination of Social Equity Programs: Removes funding for communities impacted by past marijuana laws.
• Restriction on Advertising: Imposes strict regulations limiting cannabis business marketing and education.

The Impact of SB 56

SB 56 directly affects Ohio residents who voted for cannabis legalization, small business owners in the legal cannabis industry, medical patients relying on high-potency products, and historically marginalized communities who were promised reinvestment programs.

By capping dispensaries, limiting THC content, and reducing home cultivation rights, SB 56 disproportionately harms low-income communities, rural patients, and those who depend on cannabis for medical relief. 

• Erodes Voter Trust: Ohioans voted for cannabis legalization, and SB 56 reverses key provisions.
• Hurts Small Businesses: Restrictive rules favor corporations and stifle competition.
• Encourages the Illicit Market: Limits access and THC potency, increasing black market activity.
• Ignores Social Justice: Eliminates programs benefiting communities harmed by past prohibitions.

What Is At Stake?

If SB 56 is allowed to remain law, Ohioans will see reduced access to legal cannabis, an increase in the illicit market due to overly restrictive regulations, and a loss of economic opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Furthermore, the elimination of social equity programs will block crucial reinvestment in communities most affected by the War on Drugs.

This bill not only contradicts the will of Ohio voters but also sets a dangerous precedent where legislators can override citizen-approved policies.

Why is Now the Time to Act?

Now is the moment for Ohioans to take a stand. SB 56 was passed in direct opposition to the will of the people, and every day it remains in effect, it continues to undermine voter trust and damage Ohio's legal cannabis industry. Immediate action is needed to prevent irreversible harm to businesses, patients, and communities relying on fair cannabis legislation. We must demand that the Ohio House repeals SB 56 and that Governor Mike DeWine rejects this blatant overreach.

Our Demands

• Immediate Repeal of SB 56 by the Ohio House.
• Governor's Veto or Legislative Override if SB 56 is signed into law.
• Protection of Voter-Approved Laws without legislative interference.
• Reinstatement of Social Equity Programs to support affected communities. 

Sign the Petition

By signing this petition, you stand in defense of democracy, personal freedom, economic opportunity, and social justice in Ohio. We demand that the voices of Ohio voters be respected.

This petition represents the collective voice of Ohioans who demand that their vote be honored. We will not stand for legislative interference in voter-approved laws.