Ohio Petitioners Left Unpaid After Failed Hemp-THC Referendum Push

Signature gatherers in Ohio are speaking out-not about policy-but about pay. Those who worked to collect signatures for a referendum to overturn a law banning intoxicating hemp products, including hemp-derived THC beverages, say they were never paid-or only partially compensated-for their efforts.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice.

Campaign Disarray and the Fallout for Petitioners

In early 2026, a group called Ohioans for Cannabis Choice launched a referendum campaign to halt the implementation of a new law that bans intoxicating hemp products and restricts marijuana rules under Senate Bill 56. They needed more than 248,000 valid signatures across 44 counties to qualify for the November ballot-before a mid-March deadline. Though the Attorney General eventually approved the petition language and signature collection began, the campaign fell significantly short of its goal and collapsed in disarray. During that collapse, many paid circulators report they were abruptly cut off from both work and pay.

Some collectors, like Lisa Flagella, say they gathered over 1,000 signatures in just 10 days and were promised roughly $9 per valid signature-yet received nothing. Others, including Thomas Miller and Pat Manning, were paid for early collections but left unpaid for later batches. Demand letters have been sent, but many remain skeptical they'll ever be paid.

Why This Matters for Hemp-Derived Product Access

This breakdown in campaign logistics and compensation isn't just a matter of pay-it reflects deeper fractures in the hemp-derived product advocacy space. The inability to mount a credible referendum effort signals challenges ahead for restoring access to intoxicating hemp products, including THC beverages. For consumers and retailers relying on such products, this raises questions about future market stability and campaign credibility.

• Campaign organizers appeared underfunded and poorly coordinated, undermining trust in grassroots mobilization.
• Unpaid circulators-some professionals with decades of experience-may be less likely to engage in future advocacy efforts.
• With SB 56 poised to take effect, retailers of hemp-derived products face an uncertain regulatory future without a viable ballot challenge.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens to SB 56 now that the referendum failed?

A: With insufficient valid signatures, the referendum will not appear on the ballot and SB 56 is set to take effect-meaning the ban on intoxicating hemp products, including THC-infused beverages, will proceed.

Q: Can unpaid petitioners still be compensated?

A: Petitioners have sent formal demand letters seeking payment, but campaign leaders have indicated funds ran out. Without new funding or legal action, many remain doubtful they'll be paid.

Q: Does this campaign failure impact future hemp-THC advocacy efforts?

A: Likely. The failed effort and compensation issues may dampen trust among experienced circulators and volunteers, complicating future mobilization.

Q: Are any products still legal in Ohio despite SB 56?

A: Non-intoxicating hemp-derived products, like certain CBD items or low-THC formulations under federal thresholds, may remain legal-but intoxicating hemp products will be banned.

Q: Where can consumers find compliant hemp-derived alternatives now?

A: Consumers can explore compliant options through our Shop Hemp Wellness Products | Buy Online | Chow420, and check the ChowIndex: Hemp Product Directory for lab-verified alternatives.

Going forward, the fate of intoxicating hemp products in Ohio now rests with state lawmakers and regulatory enforcement. Unless a new campaign is launched-and better funded-the ban under SB 56 will continue to reshape the landscape for hemp-derived CBD and THC shoppers in the Buckeye State.