COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine is urging the Ohio House to pass a bill that would change some aspects of Issue 2, the ballot measure that voters passed to legalize recreational marijuana.
The measure passed in November by receiving 57% of the vote. The new law, which takes effect at midnight Thursday, allows adults 21 and older to buy and possess cannabis and to grow plants at home.
Earlier this week, Republicans proposed nixing home growth, increasing taxes and other changes.
After facing backlash, a senate bill proposed the following changes, which appear to be less extreme than previous discussions:
- Six plants per house (down from 12)
- Immediate sales at medical dispensaries
- Provide expungement of marijuana possession convictions upon request
- Protects voter-approved possession limits and THC limits for plant-based material
DeWine called for the immediate passage of the bill. The Senate passed the bill, but the House still needs to vote on it, which will not happen until next week.
The governor added that the majority of Ohioans want to buy marijuana in a legal matter.
“We have an obligation to implement a safe, legal market. We also have an obligation to protect those who don’t want to be exposed to it," DeWine said.
The governor expressed concern about a surge in the black market and consumers buying marijuana laced with possibly other drugs.
"Without this bill, people could be buying marijuana that has fentanyl in it, the leading cause of overdoses in Ohio," DeWine said.
With the passage of the bill, it would allow medical marijuana dispensaries to sell recreational weed immediately.
With DeWine's endorsement of the bill, he is expected to sign it and take effect in 90 days.