Ohio Republican senators attempt to «gut» cannabis legalization 3 days before launch

The recent approval by Ohio citizens of the’Issue 2, a adult-use cannabis legalization measure, is facing significant attempts at changes, with Senate Republicans proposing radical changes just days before the law is set to take effect on December 7th.

The proposed revisions include a ban on home cultivation, increased tax rates, and a reshuffling of tax revenue allocation, which has sparked controversy and criticism from various quarters.

A regulation «emptied of its substance»

According to the Associated Press, Ohio Senate Republicans are seeking to ban home cultivation, which sharply contrasts with provisions approved by voters that allow individuals to grow up to six plants per household. Tom Haren, spokesperson for the campaign for Issue 2, Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Regulating marijuana like alcohol criticizes this initiative: «Some Ohio Senate members are proposing to gut the most important provisions of Issue 2, including home cultivation and social equity.».

The amendments proposed by the Senate also include an increase in the tax rate on cannabis products, which would rise from 10% to 15%, with growers taxed at the same rate. In addition, the allocation of tax revenues would shift from supporting local governments and social equity programs to general state funding, law enforcement training, substance abuse treatment, and safe driving education. Senator Rob McColley justifies this measure by citing the desire to prevent revenue from primarily benefiting the cannabis industry.

The Ohio Senate amendments extend to possession limits, reducing the amount of cannabis an adult can legally possess. Additionally, legal THC levels for cannabis plants and extracts would be lowered, impacting the potency of cannabis products. State Senator Bill DeMora, a Democrat, criticizes these changes, stating they go against the intent of voters who supported Issue 2.

The proposed changes emphasize efforts to protect children from marijuana exposure, including child-resistant packaging, restrictions on product appearance, and prohibiting advertising featuring child-appealing characters. Public consumption rules are also addressed, allowing public consumption of non-flower products, while smoking or vaping in public spaces would be restricted.

The amendments give employers the power to set rules for their employees' cannabis use, allowing them to be fired if they don't comply with those rules. Scott Milburn, spokesperson for the campaign against Issue 2, Protect Ohio Workers and Families, argues that these changes make the measure «less dangerous for Ohio residents and less selfish for industry.».

As Ohio prepares to become the 24th U.S. state to legalize recreational cannabis, However, legislative changes proposed by Senate Republicans deviate from the original intent of voters. The fate of these amendments remains uncertain, pending approval from the Senate, the House of Representatives, and Governor Mike DeWine.