Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Commerce Budget Cannabis Unclaimedfunds topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Ohio Commerce director outlines fee‑supported budget, new cannabis division oversight and unclaimed‑funds modernization
Summary
Director Sherry Maxfield described a fee‑supported Commerce budget for FY26–27, detailed the Division of Cannabis Control’s current footprint and the operational impacts of Issue 2, and described next‑week rollout of a modernized unclaimed‑funds platform.
Sherry Maxfield, director of the Ohio Department of Commerce, told the House Agricultural Committee on Feb. 12 that Commerce is proposing roughly $317,000,000 in FY26 and $321,000,000 in FY27 to support nine divisions and two programs funded largely by fees and assessments rather than the General Revenue Fund.
Maxfield said the department’s priorities include modernizing licensing systems, supporting first responders, expanding outreach and education, and improving consumer protections. "We are committed to leveraging technology, supporting first responders, and increasing education and outreach," she said.
Why it matters: Commerce regulation touches many consumer and business activities — from liquor, building codes and fire marshal services to the newly consolidated Division of Cannabis Control — and Maxfield described budget increases to staff and systems needed to oversee both medical and nonmedical markets after passage of Issue 2.
Cannabis control and Issue 2 Maxfield said the Division of Cannabis Control now oversees both medical and nonmedical marijuana programs. She said the division currently lists 37 cultivators, 46 processors, six testing laboratories and 134 dispensaries, and that the medical program has more than 100,000 registered patients. Jim Koneppa, superintendent of cannabis control, told the committee the Issue 2 implementation formula will produce about 67 additional dispensaries identified under the initiated statute; most of those licensees have selected locations and the department is processing licensing applications.
Intoxicating hemp concerns During questions Representative Miller asked about unregulated high‑THC hemp products sold at vape and smoke shops. Jim Koneppa described intoxicating hemp as “the same plant” and warned that products sold under hemp authorities can be highly potent, untested for contaminants and readily accessible to minors. Koneppa urged regulation of intoxicating hemp products and retail outlets along the lines of cannabis rules to require testing, child‑resistant packaging, marketing limits and age gating.
Unclaimed funds and technology Maxfield said the division of unclaimed funds will launch a new online claims platform “next week,” and that the department plans strategic data‑sharing partnerships (for example with BMV, BWC and Tax) to match payees more rapidly. She described an outreach goal to reduce the stock of unclaimed funds by locating owners and returning money more quickly.
Other items Maxfield highlighted investments in the State Fire Marshal’s technology and forensic laboratory, a proposal for building‑code training grants, and a program to train incarcerated youth in skilled trades tied to apprenticeship pathways. She described Commerce as self‑funded, noting a proposed modest increase in burial permit fees to support cemetery grant awards.
Ending note Maxfield closed by reiterating Commerce’s operational focus and asked legislators to consider the fee‑supported structure when assessing funding for divisions that have grown in scope, notably the Division of Cannabis Control following Issue 2.
