Ohio Legalizes Recreational Marijuana, Becomes 24th State to Do So

Ohio's Issue 2 permits residents 21 and up to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and cultivate six plants, setting a 10% sales tax towards administration, addiction treatment and social equity programs. However, major concerns arise regarding potential legislative reevaluation or even repeal, given the law's citizen-initiated route.

Ohio has become the 24th state to legalize recreational marijuana under the measure known as Issue 2, allowing adults 21 and older to buy and possess up to 2.5 ounces of weed and to grow up to six plants at home.
The new law imposes a 10% sales tax on cannabis, with revenue directed towards administrative costs, treatment for addiction, municipalities with dispensaries, and social equity and job programs supporting the cannabis industry.
While the legislation has been celebrated as a landmark shift and a blow to opposition from GOP lawmakers, it faces the threat of potential changes or even repealing by the Republican-led legislature due to its citizen-initiated statute status.
Concerns have been raised about the tax structure of the measure, with opponents noting that no earnings are earmarked for counties administering social services for drug usage, addiction and other issues potentially exacerbated by the legalization.
Critics have also suggested the current law favors existing medical marijuana dealers, and have called for tighter regulatory measures, including enabling private business owners to prohibit cannabis on their premises and disallowing the co-sale of alcohol and marijuana.
Despite concerns, supporters of the law, including the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, argue the regulatory approach will create economic growth, job opportunities and vital tax revenue.