Ohio AG Rejects Referendum Petition Targeting Hemp, Marijuana Rules
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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.
More context
Timeline
- 1. 2023 — Ohio voters approved cannabis legalization measures, initiating regulatory changes.
- 2. 29th December 2025 — Ohioans for Cannabis Choice submitted the proposed referendum petition to the Attorney General.
- 3. Within statutory review period — AG Dave Yost evaluated the petition and identified omissions and misstatements.
- 4. Late (early January 2026) — Yost rejected the referendum summary language, preventing immediate certification.
- 5. Following rejection — Organizers announced plans to revise language, collect additional signatures, and resubmit ahead of SB 56's March effective date.
Sources
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