COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Ohioans for Cannabis Choice has filed signatures for a referendum on Senate Bill 56, aiming to prevent the re-criminalization of the cannabis industry.

The group argues that SB 56 threatens to close 6,000 small businesses and eliminate thousands of jobs, while also opposing what they describe as government overreach.

Senate Bill 56 was signed into law two weeks ago by Governor DeWine after he had advocated for “intoxicating hemp” regulation for quite some time.

Click here to view the PDF file

The bill bans all forms of low-level THC products, including beverages, which have become very popular in recent years. Supporters of the bill say these products were poorly regulated.

Wesley Bryant, a petitioner and owner of 420 Craft Beverages in Cleveland, said, “In filing our petitions today, we are taking a stand for Ohioans against politicians in Columbus and saying no to the government overreach of SB 56.”

Joseph Ellwood, a hemp farmer in Tuscarawas County, added, “Ohioans oppose re-criminalizing cannabis, for example, making it a crime to grow more than six plants, a crime to have unauthorized paraphernalia, and a crime to buy marijuana in Michigan and bring it home.”

Andrew Greene, an employee at a Dayton distribution center, expressed concern over job losses.

“There are thousands of workers like me who are going to lose their jobs because SB 56 will close more than 6,000 small businesses across Ohio,” said Ellwood.

The referendum process requires an initial petition with at least 1,000 signatures to be certified by the Secretary of State and the Attorney General. If certified, petitioners must gather 248,092 signatures to place the referendum on the Nov. 3, 2026, General Election ballot.

The bill still allows Ohioans to grow six plants per adult and 12 per residence at their homes.