Ohio Democrats say Republicans “gutting” state marijuana law

OHIO — Ohio lawmakers are considering significant changes to the voter-approved law that legalized recreational marijuana in the state.

The law, passed in November 2023 through a citizen-led initiative, outlined regulations for taxation, distribution, and home cultivation.

Republican legislators have introduced amendments that would double the tax on marijuana sales, limit home cultivation, and cap the number of dispensaries.

Additionally, their proposal would redirect revenue from the increased tax into a general fund rather than the original allocations for substance abuse services and job creation.

“House Speaker Matt Huffman said that these were ‘very complex’ issues. But it’s clear statehouse Republicans just think they know better than Ohio voters,” said Ohio Democratic Party spokeswoman Katie Seewer.

“This isn’t the first time Republicans have turned around and ignored the will of the voters. Ohioans have come to expect constant tricks from the statehouse, and they’re sick of it.”

The proposed changes have sparked debate over whether lawmakers should alter the law before its full implementation.

The issue is expected to be a point of contention in the legislature.