Ohio Inches Closer to Legalizing Cannabis for Adult Use, Measure Could Head to November Ballot

The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol will submit over 220,000 signatures on July 5th to the Secretary of State's office. Their goal is to ensure that Ohio's adult-use cannabis legalization measure is included on the November 2023 ballot.

Tom Haren, spokesperson for the coalition stated, "We are thrilled to have reached this milestone," and he went on to say, "This is a testament to the hard work of our campaign and the support of Ohio voters who are ready for common-sense marijuana reform."

The new Initiative aims to legalize cannabis for adults 21 and older, with a 10% sales tax. This would allow adults to cultivate, possess, and use cannabis legally.

According to a report by WTVG, Wednesday marks the deadline for advocates to turn in signatures in order to have the initiative included on the fall ballot. This comes just a month ahead of an August special election where voters will decide whether to raise the threshold for passing ballot measures from a simple majority to 60%.

Lawmakers have proposed a cannabis legalization bill that aligns with the coalition's goals. The bill includes a 10% sales tax on adult-use cannabis products, with the generated revenue benefiting education, local communities hosting dispensaries, efforts against drug addiction and trafficking, and Ohio's General Revenue Fund.

The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol in Ohio is making significant progress toward its goal of legalizing adult-use cannabis in the state. With over 220,000 signatures being submitted to the Secretary of State's office, they are one step closer to having the measure included on the November 2023 ballot. The coalition's spokesperson expressed excitement and gratitude for the support of Ohio voters and the hard work of their campaign.

If successful, the new initiative would grant adults aged 21 and older the ability to legally cultivate, possess, and use cannabis, while also implementing a 10% sales tax. Additionally, lawmakers have proposed a bill that aligns with the coalition's objectives, ensuring potential benefits for education, local communities, and efforts against drug addiction and trafficking. With the upcoming deadline and special election, the future of cannabis legalization in Ohio is gaining momentum.