State Reps. Weinstein and Callender Push to Legalize Cannabis with Ohio Adult Use Act

COLUMBUS—State Representatives Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson) and Jamie Callender (R-Concord) this month introduced House Bill (HB) 168 which allows cultivation, purchase, and possession of cannabis by Ohioans over the age of 21 and allows for the expungement of conviction records for previous cultivation and possession offenses. 

The bill would implement a 10% sales tax on adult-use cannabis products. Tax revenue would be distributed in part to support primary and secondary (K-12) education, communities that host dispensaries, combatting chemical dependence and illegal drug trafficking, and to the state General Revenue Fund.

“It’s time for Ohio to act on this before we fall too much further behind our neighbors,” said Rep. Weinstein. “Adult-use is good for our economy, good for our justice system, and the right thing to do. Ohioans are ready to legalize cannabis, and I am proud to offer this bipartisan bill to get it done.”

“Through the expansion of Ohio’s successful Medical Marijuana program to all Ohioans, we will not only be building upon best practices from around the country but utilizing the lessons learned here in Ohio,” said Rep. Callender. “With the nation increasingly heading towards the de-scheduling of cannabis products at the federal level, Ohio has an opportunity to get ahead of the curve in developing its cannabis industry.”

HB 168 continues the work begun with HB 498 (Callender/Ferguson) and HB 382 (Weinstein/Upchurch) during the 134th General Assembly.

Under the bill, Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Control Program would be extended to also regulate the non-medical cultivation, processing, sale, and adult-use of cannabis products. It would be renamed the Division of Marijuana Control to reflect its role in running both the medical marijuana and adult-use programs and be housed within the Department of Commerce.

As of this spring, 22 states and the District of Columbia have legalized adult recreational marijuana, and 38 states allow for medical use of cannabis. Action is also being taken at the Federal level to deschedule cannabis.

The bill now awaits a committee assignment and sponsor testimony.