COLUMBUS, Ohio — Recreational marijuana will become legal in Ohio on Dec. 7, 2023.

Although Issue 2 was passed by Ohioans in the most recent election, some lawmakers want to put forth changes to the law. It has been discussed by the Ohio House, Senate and Gov. Mike DeWine.

Discussions include the possibility of more restrictions on the law while respecting the decision of the voters. The Statehouse has a new proposal to let the discussion continue to modify parts of Issue 2. 

What You Need To Know

  • House Bill 341 has been introduced at the Statehouse

  • The bill has no cosponsors at the moment and aims to modify recreational marijuana
  • The bill's sponsor said his goal is to respect the decision of the voters and give people a chance to converse. 

“No one here, including myself, is trying to undo the voice of the people,” said State Rep. Gary Click, R-Vickery. “But we want to give the people the opportunity to have further conversation.” 

Click is sponsoring one proposal to change the recreational marijuana law approved by voters earlier this month. He wants tax revenue to go toward the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for patients in recovery. Another area he wants to focus on with the proposal is funding law enforcement training.

“Law enforcement needs to have some training around the new laws,” Click said. “How to enforce the laws as they exist or may exist and so forth.” 

The proposal also involves giving Ohio municipalities the option to restrict recreational marijuana and put forth extra taxation. The proposal also lets municipalities ban growing cannabis plants at home. State representative Casey Weinstein, a long-time supporter of legalizing recreational marijuana, said lawmakers need to respect Issue 2. 

“Ohio voters made it very clear what they wanted in voting overwhelmingly to legalize marijuana. And that includes personal and private homegrow. I will oppose any bill, or measure that restricts that right,” said State Rep. Casey Weinstein, D-Hudson. 

Click said his goal is to get conversations started about regulating the market, but he is open to changes.

“As it goes through the committee process, I expect it to change,” Click said. “I’m open to amendments. It’s a way to open up the dialogue and let people talk from all sides.” 

Related Stories