The Push for Recreational Cannabis Legalization in Ohio: What You Need to Know

Ohio might be the next state to join the growing list of states that have legalized the adult recreational use of cannabis. This is the result of a bipartisan effort led by state lawmakers Casey Weinstein (D-34th) and Jamie Callender (R-57th), who are eager to see cannabis regulated similarly to alcohol in the Buckeye State. If this legislation is successful, Ohio residents may have the opportunity to vote on this issue as early as November.

The current status of cannabis legislation in the United States is a checkerboard. At the time of writing, adult-use cannabis has been legalized in 23 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam. Moreover, medical cannabis has received approval in 38 states, including Ohio. Given this nationwide trend, Weinstein believes it’s high time Ohio followed suit.

According to the lawmakers, Ohio House Bill 168, also known as the Ohio Adult Use Act, aims to permit Ohio residents aged 21 and over to cultivate, purchase, and possess cannabis. The bill also includes provisions for expunging past convictions for non-violent, low-level marijuana cultivation and possession offenses.

One aspect of the bill that merits particular attention is the proposed 10% sales tax on cannabis products. Revenue from this tax would be allocated towards K-12 education, communities hosting dispensaries, combating chemical dependence and illegal drug trafficking, and bolstering Ohio’s general fund.

The bill’s backers have pitched it as a practical approach, aimed at bringing a currently illicit and untaxed activity out of the shadows. However, despite their optimism, the bill’s journey to becoming law will require the surmounting of several legislative hurdles, including an initial hearing in the House Finance Committee.

The effort to legalize recreational cannabis use in Ohio comes amidst a wider shift in federal policy. Last year, President Joe Biden issued a pardon for all federal convictions for simple marijuana possession. Additionally, he ordered a federal review of marijuana’s classification under the Controlled Substance Act of 1970, which currently places marijuana in the most restrictive Schedule I category.

Meanwhile, at a national level, bipartisan pro-marijuana legislation is making its way through Congress. Local U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce of Bainbridge Township (R-14th) was instrumental in initiating the first Republican-led effort to decriminalize marijuana at the federal level in 2021.

Despite the progress made at both state and federal levels, the path to legalization is not without its challenges. Ohio’s statehouse leadership has traditionally been lukewarm on the issue of marijuana legalization.

However, proponents of legalization remain hopeful. The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol is currently collecting signatures to put the issue on the November ballot. This group firmly believes that legalizing, regulating, and taxing marijuana for adults is a popular notion in Ohio, and they are confident that their initiative will be successful should it reach the ballot.

So, while the journey towards legalization is fraught with political challenges, the combined efforts of lawmakers, advocates, and citizens might make Ohio the next state to legalize recreational cannabis use. As it stands, the fate of the Ohio Adult Use Act rests in the hands of the legislature and, potentially, the voters come November. (Source)