(The Center Square) – Ohio lawmakers are making another attempt to legalize recreational marijuana in the state. House Bill 210, the “Adult Use Marijuana Act,” was introduced in April 2021 and would allow for adults over the age of 21 to possess up to five ounces of marijuana and grow up to six plants for personal use. The proposed legislation would also create a system for licensing and regulating marijuana businesses.
This move towards legalization follows the success of Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Control Program, which was established in 2016. The program allows for the use of Medical Marijuana for qualifying patients with a prescription from a certified physician. House Bill 168 would rename Ohio's Medical Marijuana Control Program to the Division of Marijuana Control and it would be in charge of regulating both the medical and adult-use programs.
However, the road to recreational legalization in Ohio has not been without its obstacles. In 2015, a recreational marijuana legalization initiative failed to gather enough signatures to appear on the ballot. Similarly, a 2019 ballot measure in the city of Newark was defeated by voters.
Despite these setbacks, advocates for marijuana legalization in Ohio remain determined. The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol has a proposal that would legalize and regulate the cultivation, manufacturing, processing, and sale of marijuana for adults over the age of 21. The proposal would also create a tax on marijuana sales, with the revenue going towards education, addiction treatment, and infrastructure improvements.
Ohio is not alone in its push towards marijuana legalization. As of 2021, 23 U.S. states have laws allowing for adult-use marijuana. The multibillion-dollar industry shows no signs of slowing down, with more states such as Florida, Minnesota, Ohio, and Pennsylvania considering legalization.
Another Ohio city has approved a local ballot measure to decriminalize marijuana. The city of Helena, which has a population of just over 23,000, voted to eliminate fines and jail time for possess of less than 100 grams of marijuana. The move is seen as a step towards larger-scale legalization efforts in the state.
recreational marijuana may be closer to a reality in Ohio, but the process is far from over. legalization efforts will face opposition from those who believe marijuana is a dangerous drug with no medical benefits. Others argue that legalization could lead to increased addiction and harm to young people.
However, advocates for legalization argue that the regulation and taxation of marijuana could bring in much-needed revenue to the state. They also point to the potential medical benefits of marijuana, including pain relief, anxiety reduction, and improved sleep.
Ohio House Bill 168 would create a new division that would be in charge of regulating the Medical Marijuana and adult-use programs. The bill also includes provisions for the creation of a Cannabis Control Commission, which would be responsible for licensing and regulating marijuana businesses.
As the debate over marijuana legalization continues in Ohio and across the country, it is clear that attitudes towards the drug are shifting. With more states legalizing marijuana for adult use, it is only a matter of time before Ohio follows suit.
