A new bipartisan bill filed in the Ohio Senate would give counties the option to impose a marijuana excise tax, with revenue directed toward supporting local artistic, cultural, and entertainment initiatives.
Senate Bill 240 was introduced yesterday by Senator Kent Smith (D) and is cosponsored by Senators Nickie Antonio (D), Louis Blessing (R), and Hearcel Craig (D). The bipartisan measure would allow county commissioners to place a marijuana tax proposal on the ballot, subject to voter approval.
If passed, counties could levy an excise tax of up to 3% on the retail sale of adult-use marijuana. The funds would be earmarked to support creative and cultural opportunities as well as to cover administrative costs associated with collecting the tax. The bill allows for the tax to remain in place for up to 10 years, with voters deciding the rate and duration.
Under the proposal, any tax collected would be paid by consumers at the point of sale and submitted by vendors using the same process already in place for existing marijuana excise taxes. Ninety-eight percent of the revenue, after refunds, would go directly to the county where the tax is collected, while 2% would be retained by the state to cover administrative expenses.
If approved by voters, the tax could take effect as soon as 60 days after election certification, making it a potentially swift tool for counties looking to invest in local culture while tapping into Ohio’s growing adult-use marijuana market.
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