Ohio Cannabis Laws 2026: What Changed With SB 56

Ohio voters approved recreational cannabis with Issue 2 in November 2023, and it took effect on December 7, 2023. Licensed adult-use sales began on August 6, 2024. Lawmakers then passed SB 56, which rewrote large parts of the voter-approved law. A referendum campaign to stop it fell short, and it took effect in March 2026. The Division of Cannabis Control regulates the market.

Is weed legal in Ohio?

Yes, for adults 21 and older. Bring a valid ID showing you're 21+. Visitors can buy too.

How much can you have?

Limit	Adults 21+
Flower	Up to 2.5 ounces
Extract	Up to 15 grams

Under SB 56, cannabis should stay in its original packaging when you're not using it.

Where can you use it?

Private property, with the owner's permission. SB 56 bans smoking and vaping cannabis in public places and in vehicles. Landlords can ban smoking and growing.

In a car, cannabis has to be in the trunk or behind the back row of seats.

Can you grow cannabis at home?

Yes. Adults 21+ can grow up to 6 plants, with a limit of 12 plants per residence. Plants must be in an enclosed, locked space out of public view. SB 56 adds criminal penalties for growing over the limit, and bans home grows at child care homes, halfway houses, and rentals whose lease prohibits it.

Products bought in other states

This is one of SB 56's biggest changes: possessing cannabis products bought in another state is now a crime in Ohio, even if you bought them legally. Buy in Ohio.

Medical cannabis in Ohio

Ohio's medical program (since 2016) continues. Medical purchases skip the 10% adult-use tax.

Taxes on cannabis in Ohio

Adult-use purchases carry a 10% cannabis excise tax plus state and local sales tax.

Driving and work

Driving impaired is illegal. Employers can keep drug-free workplace policies and fire workers for cannabis use.

Is anything changing in 2026?

Yes, SB 56. Besides the rules above, it caps extracts at 70% THC (flower stays capped at 35%), limits Ohio to 400 dispensaries, and bans intoxicating hemp products outside licensed dispensaries, including THC drinks.

Federal law in 2026

Federal law still treats recreational cannabis as illegal. In April 2026, the federal government moved marijuana sold under a state medical license (and FDA-approved cannabis medicines) to Schedule III, but adult-use cannabis is still Schedule I. That means it's still banned on federal land and can't legally cross state lines, even between two legal states.

Separately, a federal ban on intoxicating hemp products takes effect in two steps: synthetic and converted cannabinoids like delta-8 lose their legal status on November 12, 2026, and naturally derived hemp THC (THCA flower, hemp delta-9 edibles and drinks) on December 11, 2026.

Where to buy legally

Browse dispensaries in Ohio in our directory, including Cincinnati, Columbus and Akron.

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Last reviewed October 8, 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws change, so check the official sources below before you rely on any detail.