Ohio became the 24th state to legalize recreational marijuana use for people over the age of 21. State voters approved the ballot initiative (with more than 50% support) in this week's election (where they also supported the decision to allow unrestricted abortion services in their state).
The measure establishes a regulation program through the collection of taxes (10%) executed by the state. It is expected - that due to this tax - in five years, sales will have generated anywhere from $276 million to $403 million. These profits will go towards addiction treatment and programs, new dispensaries and a "cannabis employment and social equity fund" program.
According to the law, people of legal age can possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana or 15 grams of extract. They will also be allowed to purchase the drug at authorized dispensaries and will be able to grow up to a maximum of 12 plants privately (in their home, where at least two adults reside).
Everything can change
The vote of support for the initiative does not mean that the measure will be final (since it is not an amendment to the state Constitution). This means that legislators can change the law, reform it or even repeal it. The president of the state Senate, Matt Huffman, assured that the law will be reviewed and some details will be changed, including increasing their tax revenues, according to journalist Karen Kasler from StateHouse News Bureau:
The Senate Republican leader, who opposes marijuana legalization, said that while there are no immediate plans to repeal the law if Issue 2 passes, it would likely undergo some changes.
The use of medical marijuana has been legal in Ohio since 2016 (as well as in more than 36 states).
