State panel approves rule to prohibit marijuana advertising: Capitol Letter
3 minute readPublished: Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 1:00 pm
Ohio Legislative Roundup: Marijuana Advertising Ban, Hemp Regulations, and More
Columbus, OH - A flurry of legislative activity is underway in Ohio, impacting a range of issues from recreational marijuana to healthcare and education. A state panel has approved a rule that would prohibit advertisements for recreational marijuana dispensaries on various platforms, including billboards, radio, television, and the internet. This decision, approved by the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review, has drawn criticism from Democrats and the Outdoor Advertising Association of Ohio, who argue it infringes on First Amendment rights and exceeds the scope of the original voter-approved initiative.
Simultaneously, lawmakers are advancing legislation to regulate hemp-based products. Senate Bill 56, which has already passed the Ohio Senate, seeks to restrict the sale of hemp-based items containing more than a minimal amount of THC outside of licensed marijuana dispensaries. This bill is now awaiting action from Governor Mike DeWine.
In other developments, a federal judge denied a request to halt the state's plan to withdraw funds from its unclaimed property fund for the construction of a new Cleveland Browns stadium. The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could potentially remove limits on political party spending in coordination with federal candidates. Additionally, U.S. Senator Jon Husted introduced legislation to extend Affordable Care Act premium subsidies while implementing new fraud reduction measures.
Other notable items include a report on deer hunting, a budget proposal from Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, a study on the Ohio Power Siting Board, and a multi-state coalition advocating for federal funding to address flooding in Appalachian states.
BNN's Perspective:
The legislative actions in Ohio reflect a complex interplay of competing interests. While the restrictions on marijuana advertising and hemp products align with a more cautious approach to the burgeoning cannabis industry, the debates over campaign finance and healthcare subsidies highlight the ongoing political divisions. Striking a balance between economic opportunity, public health, and individual liberties will be crucial as these issues continue to evolve.
Keywords: Ohio, marijuana, advertising ban, hemp, regulations, Senate Bill 56, Affordable Care Act, subsidies, political spending, Cleveland Browns stadium, unclaimed property fund, deer hunting, Columbus Promise, Ohio Power Siting Board, flooding, Appalachian states.