The push to legalize recreational marijuana use in Ohio has been gaining momentum in recent years, with five ballot initiatives presented to voters in the 2022 election. As of May 2022, the General Assembly has four months to adopt the measure, an outcome that’s seen as unlikely. This article looks at the efforts to legalize recreational marijuana, the public opinion on the matter, and the expected outcome in Ohio by 2022.
The five initiatives presented to Ohio voters in the 2022 election were largely funded by the cannabis industry. According to a survey conducted by the Ohio Poll, a majority of Ohio voters support marijuana legalization. The survey found that 60% of registered Ohio voters were in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana, while 32% were opposed.
The effort to reform the nation’s cannabis laws made new strides in 2022 with the passage of recreational marijuana legalization ballot initiatives in five states, including Ohio. Under the terms of the May 2022 settlement, the General Assembly has four months to adopt the measure, an outcome that’s seen as unlikely. Cannabis companies provided nearly all the money behind the five initiatives, but they have been able to gain support from both sides of the aisle.
In response to the public’s outcry over the lack of progress on marijuana legalization, Ohio lawmakers have held hearings on two marijuana legalization bills in recent months. The bills, introduced by State Representative Dan Ramos and State Senator Nickie Antonio, would legalize recreational marijuana use in the state and allow for the tax and sale of the drug.
At the hearing, Representative Ramos highlighted the potential economic benefits of legalizing recreational marijuana in Ohio. He also discussed his legislation’s potential to create jobs and generate much-needed tax revenue for the state. Senator Antonio, on the other hand, focused on the social justice implications of legalizing recreational marijuana, noting that the current system disproportionately targets minorities.
The authors of the Ohio Poll survey said that two states have added legal medical cannabis access programs in 2022, bringing the total to 48 states plus the District of Columbia. Medical marijuana is currently legal in Ohio. An exclusive Spectrum News 1 and Siena College poll of registered Ohio voters found that 60% of respondents supported legalizing recreational marijuana, while 32% were opposed.
The future of recreational marijuana legalization in Ohio is still uncertain, but it is likely that the General Assembly will not adopt the measure in the timeframe outlined in the May 2022 settlement. However, the push for legalization is gaining momentum and the public opinion is largely in favor of it. With the support of lawmakers, cannabis companies, and the general public, it’s possible that Ohio will see recreational marijuana legalization by 2022.
Jeremy Baldwin tags young cannabis plants at a marijuana farm operated by Greenlight, Oct. 31, 2022, in Grandview, Mo. AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
It remains to be seen whether the General Assembly will pass a recreational marijuana legalization bill before the May 2022 deadline. But it’s clear that the public is in favor of legalization and the momentum is growing. With the support of lawmakers, cannabis companies, and the general public, it’s possible that Ohio will see recreational marijuana legalization by 2022.
