The commencement of early voting in Ohio is marked with the introduction of a proposal aiming at the total legalization of cannabis on the ballot.
The process of early in-person voting started on Oct. 11, and will culminate on Election Day, Nov. 2. Should Issue 2 gain approval, it would lead to the legalization, commercialization, regulation, and taxation of cannabis for adult use, positioning Ohio as the 24th state to endorse this policy.
An analysis conducted by Ohio State University anticipates that legalizing cannabis could contribute an annual tax revenue ranging from $257 million to $400 million to the state’s coffers.
The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol is spearheading the campaign for Issue 2. They claim the current medical cannabis law in Ohio is restrictive and the adoption of this measure would result in significant tax revenue inflows.
The proposed law would not only legalize cannabis for adults aged 21 and above but also permit the possession of up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and 15 grams of cannabis concentrates. Additionally, adults would be authorized to cultivate up to six cannabis plants at home, with a ceiling of 12 plants per household if more than one adult resides.
The proposed 10% sales tax from Issue 2 is expected to be allocated to:
- Social equity and employment programs (36%)
- Municipalities permitting legal cannabis (36%)
- Educational and substance abuse initiatives (25%)
- Operational expenses for system establishment (3%).
The measure also outlines the creation of a Division of Cannabis Control within the State Department of Commerce.
Issue 2 is structured to give existing medical cannabis licensees preferential treatment in the adult-use market. It mandates regulators to issue new licenses to these operators within a nine-month timeframe following the law’s enactment.
The Division is also tasked with issuing 40 recreational cultivator licenses and 50 retailer licenses, prioritizing applicants involved in the cannabis social equity and employment program.
Opposition Stance
A faction of Republican state senators have expressed their opposition to Issue 2 by passing a resolution.
This opposition asserts that the measure, influenced by the commercial marijuana sector, poses substantial risks to the health and safety of Ohio’s residents, increases operational challenges for employers, and brings additional costs to public social services, while only serving the commercial interests of the marijuana industry.
In response, the coalition has countered this opposition, calling for a halt to the airing of what they term as misleading ads against Issue 2. They’ve released their own ad to dispute the claims made by the opposing side.
The coalition’s video features individuals, including veterans and cancer patients, who could potentially benefit from the passing of Issue 2, underscoring the need for factual discourse surrounding the proposal.
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