Story perspectives

Ohio Hemp Law Survives as Opponents Miss Signature Goal

3/21/2026

25 5

Summary

Story summary

Opponents failed to gather enough signatures for a referendum to block Ohio's intoxicating hemp law, with Ohioans for Cannabis Choice needing 248,092 signatures but not disclosing their total.
The law, signed by Governor Mike DeWine, reduces THC levels and imposes new restrictions.
Advocates say the measure undermines the 2023 voter-approved legalization, which generated over $836 million in sales in 2025, and Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman questioned its viability.

1 of 1

Story summary

Opponents failed to gather enough signatures for a referendum to block Ohio's intoxicating hemp law, with Ohioans for Cannabis Choice needing 248,092 signatures but not disclosing their total.
The law, signed by Governor Mike DeWine, reduces THC levels and imposes new restrictions.
Advocates say the measure undermines the 2023 voter-approved legalization, which generated over $836 million in sales in 2025, and Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman questioned its viability.