Ohio’s Attempt to Legalize All Marijuana Clears Another Hurdle

One step closer to having Ohio legalize marijuana sales and use has been achieved.

A panel of legislative appointees led by Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has approved a proposed statute from the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol as a single issue.

According to its proposal, adults 21 and older will be able to buy and possess 2.5 ounces of marijuana (71 grams) and grow up to six plants at home.

By making the decision, the group can start gathering the nearly 133,000 valid signatures needed to present them to the Ohio Legislature, which will have four months to act. If not, the measure goes to Ohio voters.

According to the proposal, medical marijuana dispensaries, processors, and cultivators will be able to apply for recreational marijuana licenses and have exclusive rights for two years.

Medical marijuana was legalized by the legislature in 2016. The state of Ohio opened its first dispensary in January 2019.