Ohio's Journey to Legalizing Recreational Marijuana: Changes, Challenges, and Consequences

Ohio will become the 24th state to legalize recreational marijuana use, with voters approving the measure. However, lawmakers are still debating changes to the legislation. The House version proposes a 10% excise tax on wholesalers and allows home cultivation, while the Senate's original version bans home grow. A new Senate version was introduced, allowing limited home cultivation, sales through medical dispensaries, expungement of criminal records, and adjusting THC levels and sales tax. Governor Mike DeWine urged lawmakers to reach a deal to prevent confusion and a potential black market. Immediate changes would require a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers.