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Proponent argues SB 55 would align OVI law with science by removing metabolite-based convictions

Ohio House Judiciary Committee · February 18, 2026
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

Proponents of Senate Bill 55 told the Judiciary Committee the bill would eliminate per se conviction thresholds based on inactive marijuana metabolites, set a per se blood THC level of 5 ng/mL for Delta‑9 THC and create a rebuttable inference at lower levels for juries to weigh.

A proponent hearing on Senate Bill 55 focused on changing how Ohio prosecutes marijuana-related operating‑while‑impaired (OVI) cases by removing metabolite-based per se offenses and emphasizing active Delta‑9 THC levels.

Brian Hawkins of the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers said current Ohio law can convict drivers based on inactive metabolites — a waste product that can persist for…

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