COLUMBUS – Recreational marijuana use became legal in Ohio Thursday, even while Statehouse Republicans continue their efforts to enact sweeping changes to the voter-approved initiative.
Senators voted 28-2 to limit some of the provisions allowed by the ballot issue approved by voters but the House adjourned before taking up the bill.
Changes proposed earlier this week included banning home growing of cannabis, increasing the approved tax rate and changing how those taxes are distributed were approved.
The measure approved by the Senate Wednesday night eased some of the restrictions, limiting the number of marijuana plants per household to six plants instead of 12, allowing for the expungement of marijuana possession convictions upon request and retaining the THC level for plant-based material included in ballot Issue 2, which passed in Nov.
Senators also voted to allow sales at existing medical marijuana dispensaries, though that will not begin until the state establishes regulations.
Voters approved the citizen-initiated statute 57%-43%, but legislators can make tweaks as they see fit.
Opponents said the changes ignore the will of the voters, but supporters say they keep Ohioans safe.
Gov. Mike DeWine held a news conference during which he urged the House to approve the changes.
The bill takes steps to protect children from consuming or being exposed to marijuana use — a priority for the governor. Under the new measure, marijuana products would have to be sold in child-safe packaging and could not resemble any animals, fruit or fictional characters such as those from cartoons.
Advertisers would also be banned from utilizing any media or pop culture figures whose target audience is children to sell marijuana products, and dispensaries could not exist within 500 feet of a school, church, public library or public park.
The changes also address what opponents to Issue 2 said were “ambiguous” rules around public consumption. Non-smoking products such as edibles could be consumed publicly unless prohibited by a private establishment, but any smoking or vaping of the drug would be banned unless inside an individual’s home. However, landlords could still ban tenants from smoking.
Employers would also be able to set their own rules for their employee’s cannabis use and testing and can fire them for use without worrying about violating discrimination laws.
Tax revenue would go toward general state funding, law enforcement training, substance abuse treatment and prevention and safe driving training. Under the original statute, that revenue would have gone to local governments hosting dispensaries and a social equity program supporting those who wish to break into the cannabis industry.