Ohio Senate Passes Bill to Eliminate Social Equity Fund for Marijuana, Igniting Voter Outrage

The Ohio Senate has passed House Bill 86, which makes significant changes to the state's new law legalizing recreational marijuana. One of the controversial changes is the elimination of the Social Equity and Jobs Fund, which aimed to provide resources to communities disproportionately impacted by marijuana criminalization. Critics argue that this move disregards the will of the voters. The bill still needs to pass the House, and another bill, House Bill 354, which includes funding for social equity programs, is also being considered. The future of marijuana legalization in Ohio remains uncertain.