Ohio voters to decide recreational marijuana legalization question

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The way forward for leisure marijuana legalization in Ohio is within the stability Tuesday.

Concern 2 on the statewide poll would enable adults 21 and over to purchase and possess as much as 2.5 ounces of hashish and to develop crops at dwelling. A ten% tax could be imposed on purchases, with proceeds going to administrative prices, dependancy therapy, municipalities with dispensaries, and social fairness and jobs applications.

Ohio would develop into the twenty fourth state to permit grownup use hashish for enjoyable if the measure passes.

The conclusion of the vote follows a virtually two-year push by the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, which surmounted administrative, authorized and legislative hurdles to place the citizen-initiated statute earlier than voters.

In accordance with Ohio legislation, the proposal went first to the Republican-dominated Legislature, which was given 4 months to move it. With many majority lawmakers opposed, they refused.

GOP Senate President Matt Huffman stood agency in opposition to the proposal and has prompt lawmakers could attempt to rewrite — and even repeal — it, if it passes.

Republican Gov. Mike DeWine additionally opposed it, citing visitors security considerations, amongst different issues. Among the state’s most influential enterprise and manufacturing organizations additionally labored in opposition to the measure, citing considerations that office security would deteriorate, absenteeism would rise and employees’ compensation charges could be pushed up.

The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol argues that it’s time Ohio legalizes and regulates cultivation, manufacturing, testing and gross sales of marijuana and marijuana merchandise for adults 21 and older. Proponents say the measure will return tax income for pot purchases now going to neighboring states the place it’s authorized, and assist thwart the black market.

They’ve touted their proposal as “fixing a damaged system,” whereas assuring localities the place dispensaries are located preserve some management over the system and reap a portion of the proceeds.

Opponents say the taxes collected will profit the marijuana business greater than Ohio’s funds.