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 law.
Huffman’s leadership approach signals a significant shift for Ohio. His priorities include restricting marijuana policies, including making recreational marijuana illegal. Huffman says he believes voters were misinformed when they approved legalization. He has previously proposed revisiting the policy to drastically limit THC levels in products.
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 2023. The law allows those 21 and older to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and 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 many within his party, they also face potential challenges in the General Assembly, particularly if Democrats align with dissenting Republicans.
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