Columbus, OH--Ohio is poised to decide on the legalization of recreational cannabis come November. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, a ballot initiative on this issue has garnered 127,772 valid signatures—eclipsing the requisite 124,046.
[Representative image via Bing]
What the Proposal Entails
According to a news report, should the measure pass, adults 21 years and older would be entitled to purchase and possess a maximum of 2.5 ounces of cannabis. Additionally, they would have the freedom to cultivate their plants. To regulate and support this industry, a 10% tax on cannabis purchases would be instituted, with revenues directed towards cities hosting dispensaries, addiction rehabilitation programs, social equity campaigns, and overhead expenses.
A Rocky Journey to the Ballot
The report noted that the journey hasn't been without its fair share of hurdles. In 2022, the coalition's submitted signatures faced challenges from legislators, asserting that Secretary of State Frank LaRose had not processed them correctly for consideration. However, a compromise was reached after a lawsuit, paving the way for the legislative review this year.
Per the report, the coalition resumed its signature collection drive when the Ohio legislature failed to address the proposal by May 3. Of the 222,198 signatures they submitted in July, the Secretary of State's office acknowledged a shortfall of invalid signatures. Undeterred, the group handed in an additional 6,545 on August 3, greatly surpassing the 679 they were short of.
Coalition spokesman Tom Haren articulated their mission in July: “Our goal is to legitimize the possession and use of marijuana for adults aged 21 and above. We aim to establish a robust state regulatory and taxation framework. This move isn't revolutionary. We simply want Ohio to follow in the footsteps of neighboring states like Michigan and Illinois.”
Backing the Coalition
The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol operates as a political action committee. With contributions exceeding $4.6 million, the Marijuana Policy Project is their most significant benefactor, donating a whopping $2.525 million.
A nod to the past, Ohio gave the nod to medical cannabis in 2016 through its legislature. However, sales under this framework didn't kick off until 2019.
Come November, should the electorate vote, Ohio would proudly stand as the 24th state to green-light recreational cannabis.