Ohio Lawmakers Want to Make Cannabis Illegal Again
By Anthony D. Riley (Mastamynd)
November 11/25/2024
Hello, Ohio cannabis community,
The newly legalized recreational marijuana program in Ohio is under threat. Matt Huffman, recently chosen as the next Speaker of the Ohio House, has made it clear that reversing cannabis legalization is a top priority. Huffman believes that voters were misinformed when they approved Issue 2 in November 2023, and he is working to make sweeping changes to the lawāor possibly undo it altogether.
Whatās Happening?
Huffman, a hardline conservative, has proposed several changes to Ohioās recreational marijuana law, including:
Drastically limiting THC levels in cannabis products.
Modifying key provisions to impose stricter regulations.
Revisiting the law altogether to potentially make recreational cannabis illegal again.
Under the current law, adults 21 and older can possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and 15 grams of concentrates. Since sales began on August 6, 2024, the program has generated over $160 million in revenue and created numerous jobs. Despite these successes, Huffman argues that voters didnāt fully understand what they were approving.
Not Everyone Agrees
Huffmanās plans have sparked resistance, even within his own party. State Representative Ron Ferguson, a fellow Republican, has vowed to uphold the will of the voters. āMarijuana policy, for the most part, has been decided by the voters,ā Ferguson said. āI support what they decided.ā
This internal division in the Republican Party could shape the future of recreational cannabis in Ohio.
Why This Matters
Ohioans voted for legal cannabis, and any attempt to undo this decision undermines the democratic process. Beyond respecting the votersā will, the cannabis program has brought significant economic benefits to the state. Rolling back legalization could stall economic progress, harm small businesses, and send the wrong message to Ohioās voters.
What You Can Do
Ohio residents must act now to protect cannabis legalization. Hereās how:
Contact Your Lawmakers: Reach out to your state representatives and let them know you oppose making cannabis illegal again.
Stay Informed: Follow platforms like Ohio Cannabis Live for the latest updates and breaking news.
Share Your Voice: Post on social media, attend town halls, and make your support for legal cannabis known.
Vote Locally: Every election matters. Support candidates who respect voter decisions and support cannabis reform.
Final Thoughts
The legalization of cannabis in Ohio wasnāt just a policy shiftāit was a voter-driven mandate. The efforts to reverse or restrict it represent a larger issue of disregarding the will of the people. Ohio Cannabis Live will continue to keep you updated as this situation unfolds.
Now is the time for the cannabis community to unite and ensure that the progress weāve made isnāt taken away.
Stay tuned for updates, and letās stand together to protect Ohioās cannabis future.
About the Author
Anthony D. Riley, known as Mastamynd, is one of Ohioās first medical cannabis patients and the founder of Ohio Cannabis Live. Since 2019, he has worked to educate and advocate for cannabis legalization in Ohio, producing over 900 videos and engaging thousands of Ohioans on this important issue.
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