Ohio's general election ballot in November will include a measure to legalize recreational marijuana use for residents 21 and older, after the initiative gathered enough signatures. The proposed measure would allow adults to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and establish a 10% sales tax on its purchase. The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol, which pushed for the measure, collected over 4,000 signatures during a 10-day extension. Ohio joins several other states that have legalized recreational marijuana use, while marijuana use remains illegal federally.
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has announced that Ohioans will vote on the legalization of recreational marijuana in the upcoming fall elections. The proposed statute seeks to legalize the sale, purchase, and possession of cannabis for adults aged 21 and older, as well as allowing for the cultivation of a small number of plants at home. The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, after submitting additional signatures, has met the requirements to have the initiative on the ballot. Recent polls show that close to 59% of likely Ohio voters are in favor of legalization. If passed, the state plans to impose a 10% adult-use tax on marijuana sales, with some of the revenue going towards equity and jobs programs.
A proposal to legalize adult use of marijuana in Ohio fell just short of the required signatures to make it onto the fall statewide ballot, but backers have 10 days to gather more. If successful, Ohio would become the 24th state to legalize cannabis for adult use. The ballot measure would allow adults 21 and over to buy and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and grow plants at home, with a 10% tax supporting administrative costs, addiction treatment, municipalities with dispensaries, and social equity and jobs programs.
