COLUMBUS, Ohio — This week, Ohio voters approved State Issues 1 and 2.

Issue 1 will enshrine abortion rights into Ohio's constitution, and Issue 2 legalizes recreational marijuana for adults.

Gov. Mike DeWine opposed both proposals ahead of the election and said he will work with the legislature for the next steps. He said in America, we accept the results of elections. 

What You Need To Know

  • Gov. Mike DeWine said he accepts the election results for both ballot initiatives

  • He will work with the legislature to put forth some extra protocols on Issue 2

  • DeWine said lawmakers are obligated to implement both initiatives correctly

DeWine told a pool of reporters that he accepts the election results of Issue 1 and 2 passing. However, he did mention there could be changes in the upcoming weeks.

He said lawmakers have an obligation to make sure both of these initiatives are implemented correctly. The governor said most Ohioans are somewhere in the middle when it comes to the issue of abortion. He said along with the rest of Ohioans, the state will wait to see how the constitutional amendment is applied.

“I always said that all of at least can be up to the courts," DeWine said. "So these things will have to play out in the court of law. So we will we'll see how they how they play out and what the courts decide." 

DeWine also said with Issue 2, he has already been in touch with House Speaker Jason Stephens and Senate President Matt Huffman regarding the next steps. His biggest priority is making sure the state protects all children.

"We've already seen an uptick in the number of children going to our emergency rooms because they ingested and ate what looked to be a brownie," DeWine said. "What looked like a cookie, and we know that those numbers will go up, but we have every responsibility to do everything we can to keep those numbers down as much as we can." 

DeWine also mentions how not every person wants to inhale the scent of marijuana. He said he plans to to make sure lawmakers will address smoke-free zones for children and adults who choose not to smoke. He also wants to talk to the legislature about reducing the number of people driving while under the influence on our freeways. He said safety protocols, health, and taxation are high priorities. 

The goal is to get a plan in place by Dec. 7, 2023 when the law goes into effect.

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