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Ohioans find themselves in a state of ambiguity regarding recreational marijuana laws. While adults can legally cultivate and possess cannabis at home, the ability to purchase it legally remains absent.
As of the latest developments, members of the Ohio House plan to vote on their revisions to the Issue 2 law next Wednesday. This indicates that changes to the law could potentially become final as soon as next week.
Republican Governor Mike DeWine expressed concerns about this situation, emphasizing that the combination of allowing home cultivation and possession without legal purchasing options could lead to undesirable consequences. DeWine foresees a surge in black market sales, raising the risks of unsafe marijuana products infiltrating the market, posing threats to Ohioans, especially children exposed to second-hand pot smoke during holiday gatherings.
However, Rep. Jamie Callender challenged these assertions, defending that there's no immediate urgency in implementing Ohio's legal sales scheme. He argued for a more deliberate approach, ensuring thorough consideration and respect for the voters' intentions.
The Ohio House adjourned without acting on the proposed 160-page compromise, urging the need for more time to understand and address the complexities of establishing the state's adult-use cannabis sales, taxation, and regulatory structure.
The foundation of Issue 2, passed by voters, permits adults aged 21 and over to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and grow six plants per individual or twelve plants per household. It also mandated the state to establish a system for legal marijuana purchases within nine months, subject to a 10% tax.
The recently proposed Senate bill aimed to overhaul what voters approved, causing concern among both parties in the House. The compromise negotiated with DeWine and approved by the Senate reduced the number of marijuana plants allowed per household to six, retained the higher 15% tax rate on purchases, and introduced alterations in THC levels for cannabis extracts.
Amidst these developments, there's a potential provision for expunging criminal records for marijuana possession convictions. Additionally, new provisions aim to protect children by requiring child-safe packaging for cannabis products and prohibiting ads targeting them.
It's crucial to note that smoking cannabis in a car is illegal under these proposed changes. This ongoing legislative tug-of-war over Issue 2 signifies uncharted territory for Ohio, potentially leading to unprecedented changes in an initiated statute. Experts suggest that the proponents of Issue 2 could resort to constitutionally-authorized tools, including a referendum, if legislative alterations stray too far from voter intent.
As Ohio navigates this evolving landscape, various aspects of the new law can be enforced immediately, as confirmed by legal authorities. However, uncertainties loom regarding the next steps and the adherence to voter-approved provisions in Ohio's journey towards legalized recreational cannabis.
You can read the house and senate bills below .
Should law makers change Issue 2 ?
Yes
No
What about the 45 Day allotment?
If the plant number is reduced to 6 it should be worded to be 6 flowering plants and up to 12 plants total. Because people will need to have clones / seedlings and a mother plant in addition to what plants they have flowering. Especially medical patients.