On Wednesday, the Ohio House passed Senate Bill 56, updating marijuana and intoxicating hemp regulations that affect workplace safety in manufacturing. The bill requires THC-containing hemp products to be sold only by licensed dispensaries to adults 21 and older, with strict testing, packaging and advertising rules. Gov. Mike DeWine recently issued a temporary ban on intoxicating hemp sales, currently paused by a court order, with a hearing scheduled for Tues., Oct. 28 at the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.

The bill sets THC limits for hemp products and allows regulated sales of THC-infused beverages. Changes in product distribution and use mean manufacturers and employers should update workplace drug policies and safety training. Recreational marijuana rules are also changing, including lower THC limits and bans on public smoking, which may impact workplace environments.

“Our constituents … have also made clear that we don’t want every downtown in Ohio to smell like a Grateful Dead concert,” state Rep. Brian Stewart, R-Ashville, told the Ohio Capital Journal.

With Ohio’s cannabis market growing fast — exceeding $700 million in sales last year — the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association will continue to help employers stay up to date on these rules to maintain safe workplaces and compliance. 10/23/2025