Ohio Residents Needed on SB 56 & Marijuana Regulation for WOSU

Journalist seeking sources - SB 56, referendum and the debate around marijuana regulation Hi r/Columbus! My name is Nora Igelnik, and I am a reporter for WOSU Public Media, and I am working on a story about marijuana regulation in Ohio against the backdrop of the national debate surrounding the drug — whether related to health, policy, access, industry and more. A couple of weeks ago, The New York Times Editorial Board released an opinion, "It’s Time for America to Admit That It Has a Marijuana Problem," arguing that Big Weed and a lack of education has led to addiction and health issues. When I read this opinion, I started to look into what was going on in our state in terms of regulation. Senate Bill 56, which will go into effect March 20, will amend the regulations put in place after Ohioans voted on Issue 2 in 2023. This bill bans intoxicating hemp products, caps the number of dispensaries state-wide, caps THC levels in extracts and flower, prohibits public smoking, allows landlords to prohibit smoking in rental properties, makes possessing weed bought from another state a crime and more. Ohioans for Cannabis Choice is trying to get a referendum on the ballot that the public can vote on in November to block the law, arguing that this law will impact small businesses and does not promote true regulation. I want to hear from you about your opinions on SB 56, a potential referendum and marijuana regulation in general. Please reply to this post or DM me if you are interested in being interviewed.