On Tuesday, Ohio voters passed a measure to legalize marijuana for recreational use, defeating Republican state leaders who had attempted to pass the legislation.
After Issue 2 is passed, Ohio will become the twenty-fourth state to legalize adult use of cannabis for non-medical uses. Adults over 21 will be able to purchase and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis as well as cultivate plants inside according to the new legislation. A ten percent sales tax will be levied, with the proceeds going toward employment initiatives, addiction treatment, towns with cannabis stores, social equality, and administrative expenses related to the business.
The result of the election is a setback for Republican legislators, Republican governor Mike DeWine, and business and industry associations who are worried about how it would affect traffic and worker safety.
Concerns were also voiced over the tax structure, which does not set aside any revenue for Ohio counties that manage social services programs aimed at drug abuse, addiction, and other potential problems that may arise as a result of the adoption of Issue 2.
The years-long battle to get the proposition into law came to an end with voter support, according to the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol.
On behalf of the alliance, GOP Secretary of State Frank LaRose first filed petitions with the Ohio General Assembly in January 2022, starting a four-month clock that would count down to legislators taking action. Republican leaders in Congress refused, claiming the group’s petitions came in too late to be considered for voting in 2022.
Following a litigation and settlement, the organization decided to hold off until this year.
Despite being a citizen-initiated legislation, the bill lacks security. Though the political stakes are greater now that the legislation has been adopted by the people, Republicans who are still opposed to it in the Legislature are free to amend or even repeal it.