Ohioans Approve Proposal 2 to Legalize Recreational Marijuana

Ohio voters have approved a measure to legalize adult recreational marijuana use, becoming the 24th state in the US to do so. The new law, known as Issue 2, will take effect in 30 days. However, this decision has defied the will of the state's Republican-controlled legislature, who had previously stalled the measure. The delay prompted a lawsuit, which eventually led to the inclusion of legalizing marijuana in the ballot. Under the new law, adults over the age of 21 will be allowed to purchase and possess up to 2.5 ounces (70 grams) of cannabis. They will also have the option to grow up to six marijuana plants at home. A 10% tax will be imposed on sales, with the revenue primarily directed towards addiction services, communities with cannabis facilities, and social equity and job programs. Although Ohio has now joined other states in legalizing marijuana, the drug remains illegal at the federal level. Currently, it is legal for adult recreational use in 23 states, including Washington DC, and permitted for medical use in 38 states. It's important to note that the Ohio law is not a constitutional amendment but a citizen-initiated statute. This means that state lawmakers have the authority to easily adjust or even repeal the law. Ohio Republicans who opposed Issue 2 are already calling for revisions, particularly in the areas of commercial and advertising sales. Some citizens have also expressed concerns about the limits placed on THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for the "high" experienced by marijuana users. Republican lawmakers looking to make adjustments to the law may face challenges as they navigate this politically sensitive issue without upsetting their constituents. In addition to approving the legalization of marijuana, Ohio also voted in favor of amending the state's constitution to protect abortion rights.