Ohio House Republicans have chosen Matt Huffman, the current Senate president, as their next House speaker.
Huffman, unopposed in the caucus vote, is known for his hardline conservative agenda, including his intent to reverse Ohio’s recently implemented recreational marijuana legalization.
Huffman’s leadership approach signals a significant shift for Ohio. While he praised the talent within the GOP caucus and expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming General Assembly, his priorities include restricting marijuana policies. Huffman has suggested that voters were misinformed when they approved legalization and has proposed revisiting the policy to drastically limit THC levels in products. “There are several things I want to present to the caucus as changes,” Huffman said, emphasizing his broader legislative goals.
The push to undo marijuana legalization faces resistance, even within Huffman’s party. State Representative Ron Ferguson, a Republican, firmly supports the will of the voters. “Marijuana policy, for the most part, has been decided by the voters,” Ferguson said. “I support what they decided.” Ferguson has vowed to oppose efforts to undermine the current law.
Recreational marijuana was approved by Ohio voters in November, allowing adults 21 and older to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana or 15 grams of concentrates. Sales began on August 7 and have generated over $160 million to date.
Huffman’s stance on marijuana is part of a broader conservative agenda that includes eliminating the state income tax, expanding private school vouchers, and restructuring higher education. While his policies have the backing of major business interests, they also face potential challenges in the General Assembly, particularly if Democrats align with dissenting Republicans.
