Ohio lawmakers trying to change laws before recreational marijuana goes into effect

After Ohio voters approved Issue 2 to legalize recreational marijuana, Ohio’s state legislature are scrambling to tweak certain restrictions before Issue 2 goes into effect on Dec. 7.

But House Speaker Jason Stephens (R) doesn’t share the same sense of urgency as Gov. Mike DeWine (R), who is urging the passage of new bills prior to Dec. 7. Stephens believes the deadline is next September, when the first dispensary licenses are issued. However, the Issue 2 text states Ohioans will be able to possess, use and grow marijuana starting next month.

Some lawmakers also want to raise the tax rate on marijuana to fund county jails and police training, but others disagree on raising the rate higher than 10%, which is where it currently sits. It is also unclear how Issue 2 fits into the state’s smoking prohibitions.