Yost announced Tuesday that his office declined to certify the summary of a proposed ballot initiative seeking to repeal Senate Bill 56, a recently enacted law that bans most intoxicating hemp edibles and CBD/THC-infused beverages. The measure, signed into law late last year, expanded the state’s definition of “intoxicating cannabinoids,” bringing many hemp-based products under new prohibitions.
In his decision letter, Yost said the summary language drafted by the group “Ohioans for Cannabis Choice” was “misleading and incomplete,” failing to accurately describe the full scope and consequences of the repeal effort. Because the summary must be approved before supporters can begin collecting voter signatures, the decision effectively resets the campaign’s timeline.
Senate Bill 56 has faced sharp criticism from hemp growers, retailers, and consumers, who argue that the law harms small businesses and cuts off access to federally legal hemp products. Supporters of the law, however, say it was needed to curb the sale of intoxicating products that were being marketed to minors or mislabeled as non-psychoactive.
“We’ll revise the language and resubmit,” said coalition spokesperson Megan Callahan. “Ohioans deserve the freedom to choose hemp products without government interference.”
Before the repeal effort can appear on the statewide ballot, “Ohioans for Cannabis Choice” must secure certification from both the attorney general and the Ohio Ballot Board, followed by collecting hundreds of thousands of valid signatures from registered voters.
For now, Yost’s rejection delays any immediate challenge to Ohio’s tightening hemp regulations, leaving Senate Bill 56 in full effect.