Ohio became the 24th state to allow adult-use cannabis when state voters approved Issue 2 back in November 2023, though advocates and news outlets were quick to highlight GOP lawmakers in the state who immediately sought to amend the newly passed law.
And more than five months later, it appears that Republican lawmakers are still grappling with potential changes and regulatory updates to Ohio’s legalization law. While it could shift depending on how lawmakers proceed, currently recreational sales are expected to begin in September, according to a WCMH-TV report.
Lawmakers are looking into passing legislation that could jumpstart sales this summer, though it’s ultimately dependent on Republican legislators finding common ground to push the regulatory framework forward and approve it. Namely, the state’s Division of Cannabis Control (DCC) has created a plan to begin granting dual licenses to existing medical cannabis operators to start serving adult consumers early this summer.
“I am, I would not say optimistic, but I am reasonably hopeful, if you need words, that we can get something done by June,” Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) told the TV station.
While jumpstarting sales in the state is a priority, lawmakers are still in disagreement regarding what rules should be in place prior to a recreational market launch.
The original legislation would have allowed adults over 21 to legally buy and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and grow up to six plants a person, or 12 plants per residence, at home where at least two adults reside. It would have imposed a 10% tax on cannabis purchases to go toward administrative costs, addiction treatment, municipalities with dispensaries and social equity and jobs programs.
It’s currently unclear exactly how the future legislation will pan out, though leaders have discussed altering tax revenue distribution, scaling back home cultivation rules and …
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Author: Keegan Williams / High Times
