Republican leaders in the Ohio House say they have removed Governor Mike DeWine’s proposal to increase taxes on marijuana from the state’s upcoming budget.
House Speaker Matt Huffman and House Finance Chair Brian Stewart confirmed Tuesday that the governor’s proposed tax hike on marijuana, as well as cigarettes and sports betting, will not be included in their version of the budget. The proposal would have doubled the state’s tax rate on recreational marijuana and sports gambling, while nearly doubling the tax rate on cigarettes.
The removal comes as lawmakers prepare their first round of revisions to the budget bill. Huffman and Stewart also noted changes to a plan that would help finance a proposed $2.4 billion domed stadium in Brook Park for the Cleveland Browns.
Governor DeWine’s office previously pitched the marijuana tax increase as part of a broader funding plan to support law enforcement and public services, but lawmakers have now made clear those measures will not move forward as part of the legislative package.
Ohio legalized adult-use cannabis in 2023, with licensed sales beginning August 2024.
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