As the clock strikes midnight in Ohio on December 7, the possession and cultivation of recreational marijuana is now legal for everyone 21 years of age and older.
Due to voters approving Issue 2 last month, those 21 and older are now allowed to legally possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and up to 15 grams of marijuana concentrates (wax, oil, hash, etc.). They are also allowed to cultivate up to six marijuana plants at a private residence, for personal use.
The new law makes Ohio the 24th state where recreational marijuana possession is legal, following Minnesota which became the 23rd state earlier this year.
Although there is currently no legal method for adults to obtain recreational marijuana, the full Ohio Senate voted yesterday to pass a bill that would allow medical marijuana dispensaries to begin selling recreational marijuana within 90 days of the bill’s passage. The Senate approved the measure overwhelmingly, 28 to 2, but it’s required to pass the House of Representatives before it can be sent to Governor Mike DeWine.
Under Issue 2, the Division of Cannabis Control is tasked with handling the licensing and regulations for the new marijuana industry. Issue 2 mandates the agency to issue up to 350 marijuana business licenses, with a mandate that they issue at least 50. Marijuana will be taxed at 10%, although the bill approved by the Senate yesterday would increase this to 15%.
You can find the full text of the new law, which was approved by voters 57% to 43%, by clicking here.
