Oppose SB56: Preserve Voter-Approved Cannabis Framework

I am writing to express my strong opposition to Senate Bill 56 (SB56), which seeks to drastically alter the voter-approved adult-use cannabis framework in Ohio. This bill undermines the will of the people and attempts to re-criminalize aspects of cannabis use that Ohioans have already decided should be legal. SB56 introduces overly restrictive requirements for storing, transporting, and selling adult-use and home-grown marijuana. It mandates that legal cannabis must be purchased only from licensed Ohio dispensaries or grown at primary residences, with cannabis from other states being considered contraband. The bill also imposes strict rules on storage and transportation, requiring adult-use marijuana to be kept in original packaging when not in use and transported in a vehicle's trunk or behind the last seat. Furthermore, SB56 repeals crucial protections against discrimination for legal cannabis use. This change would allow landlords to evict tenants and employers to enforce drug-free workplace policies, even for legal off-duty use. Such provisions directly contradict the intent of the voter-approved framework and could lead to unjust consequences for law-abiding citizens. While the bill maintains the home-grow limits of six plants per adult and 12 per household, it introduces new restrictions on cultivation in certain residences and rental properties. This infringes on the rights of individuals who voted for a more permissive approach to personal cannabis cultivation. I urge you to respect the will of Ohio voters who approved the current adult-use cannabis framework. SB56 represents a significant step backward in our state's approach to cannabis policy. Instead of imposing additional restrictions and removing protections, we should focus on implementing the voter-approved system in a way that ensures public safety while respecting individual rights. Please vote against SB56 and work towards preserving the intent of the original cannabis legalization measure. Our state's policies should reflect the wishes of its citizens, not undermine them.