Ohio Cannabis Laws: Comprehensive Guide to Senate Bill 56 Updates
Effective Date: March 20, 2026
The legal landscape for cannabis in Ohio has undergone its most significant transformation since the passage of Issue 2. With the full implementation of Senate Bill 56 (SB 56), the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control (DCC) has established a permanent framework that distinguishes between medical patients and adult-use (recreational) consumers.
For customers visiting Bloom locations in Akron, Athens, Columbus, Massillon, Painesville, and Seven Mile, understanding these nuances is essential for staying compliant and maximizing your purchasing power.
Standardizing Purchase Limits: The End of "Whole Day Units"
One of the most welcome changes in SB 56 is the simplification of how much you can buy. For years, the medical program operated on a complex "whole day unit" system (e.g., 2.83 grams of flower representing one day).
Under the new law, both medical and recreational sales are tracked by actual weight and THC milligrams, though the daily caps differ:
Recreational Consumers: May purchase up to 2.5 ounces (70.75 grams) of cannabis flower and up to 15,000 mg of THC in processed forms (vapes, tinctures, edibles) per day.
Medical Patients: While patients follow similar daily limits, they retain the ability to purchase in "bulk." Patients can buy up to 10 ounces of product per day (up to four days' supply at once) to manage their 90-day recommendation more efficiently.
Caregivers: Remain limited to the 1-Day Supply—bulk purchases do not apply.
Patients are responsible for ensuring they do not exceed their 90-day allotment (Daily Limit × 90)
Legal Note: Possession limits in public mirror these purchase caps. For the latest details on what you can legally carry, visit our detailed possession guide.
The 70% Potency Cap on Extracts
One of the more rigorous updates in SB 56 is the introduction of a "potency ceiling" for processed products.
Vapes and Concentrates: Previously, vapes could reach 90% THC or higher. Under SB 56, all extracts and concentrates sold in Ohio are now capped at 70% THC.
Raw Flower: The limit for dried plant material remains at 35% THC.
This cap applies to both medical and recreational products. While the percentage is lower, the DCC maintains that this encourages "full-spectrum" products that preserve a wider array of terpenes and minor cannabinoids.
Strict Transportation Rules: The "Trunk Requirement"
SB 56 brings Ohio's cannabis transport laws in line with "open container" alcohol laws. To avoid a minor misdemeanor, you must adhere to the following when driving with cannabis:
Original Packaging: Products must remain in their original, unopened dispensary packaging.
Storage Area: Cannabis must be kept in the trunk of the vehicle.
No Trunk? If your vehicle does not have a trunk (such as a van or SUV), the product must be placed behind the last upright seat or in an area not easily accessible to the driver or passengers.
The "Michigan Rule" & Out-of-State Product
A critical takeaway from SB 56 is the explicit illegality of "cross-border" cannabis. Even though Michigan is a legal state, it is illegal to possess cannabis in Ohio that was purchased in another state.
Any product found in Michigan-branded packaging is considered contraband in Ohio.
Lawful possession is limited strictly to products purchased from an Ohio-licensed dispensary or grown legally at home (6 plants per adult, max 12 per household).
Public Use, Vaping, and Landlord Rights
While cannabis is legal, where you use it is strictly regulated.
Public Ban: Smoking, combusting, or vaping cannabis in public places is prohibited.
Landlord Authority: SB 56 explicitly grants landlords the right to ban vaping in addition to smoking in lease agreements. If you are a renter, check your lease carefully, as the law now permits eviction or penalties for vaping on-site if prohibited.
Vehicle Use: It is a third-degree misdemeanor for a passenger to smoke or vape cannabis while a vehicle is being operated.
Delivery: A Medical-Only Benefit
For many, the most anticipated feature of the new law is home delivery. However, SB 56 is very specific here: Delivery is currently permitted for medical cannabis patients only. The Division of Cannabis Control is in the process of finalizing the rules for dispensary-to-door delivery. Once active, this service will be a massive convenience for patients with mobility issues or those who simply prefer the privacy of home delivery. There is currently no provision for recreational delivery in Ohio law.
Why Maintaining Your Medical Card is More Important in 2026
While recreational cannabis is accessible, the passage of SB 56 has solidified the Medical Marijuana Card as the "Gold Standard" for Ohio consumers. Between the 10% tax savings, the higher potency options for edibles, and the exclusive right to home delivery, the medical program offers significantly more value and convenience.
If you are a regular consumer, the tax savings alone often pay for the cost of the medical recommendation within just a few visits. Furthermore, by law, Ohio dispensaries must prioritize medical patients. In the event of a product shortage or a high-demand "drop," a portion of the inventory is legally required to be reserved for cardholders.
Visit a Bloom Location Near You
Whether you are a long-time patient or a first-time recreational customer, our staff at all seven Ohio locations is trained to help you navigate these new SB 56 regulations.
Next Step: Secure Your Benefits
Are you tired of the 10% "Rec Tax" and limited edible options? Ensure you have access to the full spectrum of Ohio's cannabis market.
The Two-Tiered System for Edibles
Perhaps the most impactful change under SB 56 is the divergence in edible potency. The state has moved to a two-tier system to prioritize patient needs while regulating the broader adult-use market.
Adult-Use (Recreational) Limits: Non-medical consumers are now limited to a maximum of 10 mg of THC per serving and 110 mg of THC per package. If you are looking for high-dose gummies or chocolates, these are no longer accessible to recreational customers under the new DCC guidelines.
Medical Patient Limits: Recognizing that many patients require higher concentrations for symptom management, medical-grade edibles remain robust. Patients can purchase individual servings of up to 55 mg of THC and packages containing up to 1,500 mg of THC.
Why this matters: If your wellness routine depends on high-potency edibles, maintaining your status in the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program is the only way to ensure access to these products.
