POLITICS

Ohio AG Rejects Referendum Petition Targeting Hemp, Marijuana Rules

PUBLISHED Jan 13, 2026, 8:57 PM ET

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Sources: 7

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Sources: 7

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Attorney General Dave Yost rejected summary language of a proposed referendum seeking to repeal parts of Senate Bill 56, saying the petition contained omissions and misstatements that could mislead potential signers. The Attorney General’s office received petition Dec. 29 and had ten business days to certify title and summary. Organizers with Ohioans for Cannabis Choice said they will revise the language, collect additional signatures and resubmit to reach the 250,000 required for a ballot referendum. Senate Bill 56 restricts or bans certain hemp-derived THC products and takes effect in March. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Najma A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2023 — Ohio voters approved cannabis legalization measures, initiating regulatory changes.
29th December 2025 — Ohioans for Cannabis Choice submitted the proposed referendum petition to the Attorney General.
Within statutory review period — AG Dave Yost evaluated the petition and identified omissions and misstatements.
Late (early January 2026) — Yost rejected the referendum summary language, preventing immediate certification.
Following rejection — Organizers announced plans to revise language, collect additional signatures, and resubmit ahead of SB 56's March effective date.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 7
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 7
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Regulators and businesses that comply with Senate Bill 56 may gain clearer statutory authority to restrict intoxicating hemp products and face reduced market uncertainty, while some licensed medical operators could see diminished competition from hemp-derived THC sellers.

Who Impacted

Consumers of hemp-derived THC products, small retailers selling those products, and associated employees likely will suffer reduced sales and limited product availability if SB 56 is implemented and remains unchallenged.