This past Friday, July 30, Ohio Representatives Casey Weinstein, D, and Terrence Upchurch, D, finally filed their unique cannabis legalization bill. A draft of this bill has been circulating throughout the Ohio House of Representatives for some time to gain support before the pair of representatives officially filed the bill.
“This bill is much needed in Ohio, and it’s time for Ohio to become a national leader in marijuana decriminalization and legalization,” said Representative Upchurch in a press release following the filing of the bill. “This bill is more than just about legalization, it’s about economic and workforce development, it’s about decriminalization, and it’s about healthcare! The time is now, and I look forward to getting this done in a bipartisan fashion.”
Bill Details
Under this new bill, which has yet to receive a number, citizens 21 and over can possess up to five ounces of recreational cannabis. Citizens can also cultivate up to 12 plants for personal use. The bill also includes measures to expunge prior convictions for possession. Finally, it established different cultivation activities that would become legal under this bill should it become law.
Each recreational cannabis sale would come with a ten percent excise tax. Revenue from that tax would initially be spent on implementing the recreational cannabis program under the State Department of Commerce. Next, the rest of the revenue would be divided up four different ways.
- Municipalities with at least one cannabis shop – 15 percent
- Counties with at least one cannabis shop – 15 percent
- K-12 education – 35 percent
- Ohio’s state infrastructure – 35 percent
There is a clause allowing individual municipalities to restrict what type and the number of shops in each municipality. However, the state’s medical cannabis program wouldn’t be affected under this new bill.
Opposition
While the governor of Ohio, Mike DeWine, R, hasn’t officially responded on the new recreational cannabis legalization bill, a spokesperson told local news reporters he is against it. This opposition hasn’t stopped both representatives and activists from pushing the envelope and taking steps towards legalization.
Currently there are 22 jurisdictions that have adopted local statutes to reduce the cannabis possession penalty. Originally classified as a misdemeanor with a threat of jail time, cannabis possession is only a fine. Additionally, the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol (CTRMLA) is currently collecting signatures on a measure requiring lawmakers to discuss and decide on recreational cannabis legalization.
Future
It appears cannabis legalization is coming to Ohio soon. “It’s time to lead Ohio forward,” said Representative Weinstein. “This is a big step for criminal justice reform, for our veterans, for economic opportunity, and for our individual liberties.”
As more information becomes available on the Ohio recreational cannabis legalization bill, we will update you with the latest.
Make sure to check back for more cannabis and hemp related news.