It's Official: Ohio Becomes 24th State to Legalize Marijuana!
Posted by Stephen Alexander on Nov 08, 2023
Following a months-long grassroots campaign on the streets of Ohio, and having the proposition propelled onto the ballot after a summertime Special Election tried to stop it, the majority of Ohioans voted "yes" on Issue 2 on November 7th, voting to legalize recreational marijuana!
Ohio becomes the 24th state in the nation to pass such a measure, and we are all excited for the future this change brings.
What Was Issue 2?
This legalizes and regulates the cultivation, manufacturing, testing and the sale of marijuana to Ohioans 21 and up. It also legalizes home grow for Ohioans 21 and up with a limit of six plants per person and 12 plants per residence, and imposes a 10% tax at the point of sale for each transaction.
“Marijuana is no longer a controversial issue,” said Tom Haren, the spokesperson for the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol.
“Ohioans spoke loud,” he said. “They spoke clear. They know that they want a regulated adult use market here in Ohio, they want to get rid of the illicit market, they want to bring that tax revenue back from the state of Michigan, and to bring it in and admit and invest that money right back into their local communities.”
The measure was an effort put forth by the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol. When campaigning, the group said the measure “models the best practices of 23 states to create a system that regulates and taxes marijuana just like alcohol.”
Throughout the summer volunteers could be found outside stores, shopping centers, and festivals trying to gather enough signatures to bring this proposal to the ballot. Their dedication and passion can't be understated. So raise a glass, or a bowl, to citizens just like yourself who can make a change in their local government and shape the way their state operates!
Issue 2 is a citizen initiative, meaning Ohio lawmakers can propose and pass modifications to the new law after the election. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, who opposes legalizing marijuana, does not have the authority to veto a proposal-made law via the ballot, according to the Ohio Constitution.
“With the passage of Issue 2, now is the time for the legislature to lead on how best to allocate tax revenues while responsibly regulating the industry,” Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens, R-Kitts Hill, said in a statement. “Investing in county jail construction and funding law enforcement training across Ohio should be our top priority to make our communities safer.”
Like the success Colorado has had from their legalization, this means we should have much more tax revenue to improve our state and the lives of all Ohioans. Who would vote "no" for that?
When Will Recreational Weed be Legal in Ohio?
The measure will take effect 30 days after Election Day. It also goes into a rule-making and planning phase.
Issue 2 creates the Division of Cannabis Control within the Ohio Department of Commerce. The division will be tasked with ironing out the details of how and where marijuana will be sold in Ohio. The Division of Cannabis Control will have nine months to create a plan and start issuing the first licenses.
A Victory for Human Rights
Issue 2 passed on the same ballot as Issue 1, which guaranteed the right to abortion access to all Ohioans, which also passed by a wide majority.
Overall, it was a very good day for Ohioans, and we are proud to share our elation over Issue 2 with the millions of women who have their rights upheld.
Let's Party!
Start your clocks: As of November 7th, 2023, weed will be legal in Ohio in 30 days, and licenses will begin being issued in 9 months. This time next year, we'll all be able to walk down to the corner dispensary and get the recreational-use medication we need for our lives.
In the meantime, get everything you need to enjoy your medical or recreational weed from Waterbeds 'n' Stuff! Whether you like the water percolation of a glass bong or acrylic bong, something slim like a glass pipe, or a modern vape that lets you dial-in an exact temperature to extract the most from your strain, Waterbeds 'n' Stuff has plenty of stuff to help make your sessions special.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
**The beliefs and opinions expressed in this blog are not those of Waterbeds ‘n’ Stuff.