Ohio Republicans Propose Sweeping Changes To Cannabis Legalization Measure

Ohio Senate Republicans have proposed numerous and significant changes to the cannabis legalization measure Ohio voters pass last month

Ohio Senate Republicans have proposed numerous and significant changes to the cannabis legalization measure Ohio voters passed.

The Associated Press reports the changes include: banning the growth of cannabis at home, increasing the cannabis tax rate to 15% for cannabis products and cultivators, and altering how the taxes are distributed. The changes come days before the new law legalizing cannabis is set to take effect, and their fate in the Senate and GOP-led House are unclear.

Under the measure that was passed, Ohio residents would be able to grow up to six plants at home and 12 per household, according to the outlet. The measure also included a 10% tax rate for cannabis products and cultivators. Tax revenue from cannabis would go to local governments hosting dispensaries and a social equity program supporting those who wish to break into the cannabis industry.

However, under the Senate Republicans’ proposed changes, the revenue would go toward general state funding, law enforcement training, substance abuse treatment and prevention, and safe driving training.

Under the proposed changes, employers would also be able to set their own rules for their employees’ cannabis use and testing measures, allowing them to fire employees without violating discrimination laws.

Ohio Republicans pushed for a no vote on the measure, citing concerns about the impact cannabis would have on the workplace and traffic safety. Additionally, state Republicans are also worried that the measure earmarks none of the tax revenue for Ohio counties that administer social services programs directed at drug use, addiction, and other issues that could surface due to the passing of the cannabis measure.

Tom Haren, a spokesperson for the campaign Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, criticized the changes, saying they will push Ohio residents to buy cannabis in Michigan, hurting the state’s tax revenue from cannabis.

“Some in the Ohio Senate propose to gut Issue 2’s most important provisions, including home grow and social equity, and to put in place higher taxes that will entrench the illicit market and force Ohioans to continue to buy their cannabis products in Michigan,” Haren said in a statement according to the AP. “This is not what voters wanted.”

Ohio became the 24th state to pass recreational cannabis legislation when the ballot measure, known as Issue 2, passed with 57% of the vote.

If the proposed changes make it past the Senate, the Republican-majority House would still have to agree to the changes. Gov. DeWine would also have to sign off on the changes.