Ohio weed legalization 2023: The latest on the state's new marijuana law

Akron Beacon Journal
Updated ·3 min read
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Ohioans voted in November to pass Issue 2, officially legalizing marijuana for recreational use in the state.

And while the law took effect Dec. 7, countless questions remain about where the new program goes from here as Ohio lawmakers look into changing portions of the statute.

Reporting from the Akron Beacon Journal, Canton Repository, Cincinnati Enquirer and Columbus Dispatch has dug into frequently asked questions, lawmaker responses and more since Ohioans made their voices heard at the ballot box.

Here's what we know — and what still remains uncertain.

What does Ohio's recreational marijuana law currently say?

By passing Issue 2, Ohioans voted to make the use, possession and sale of recreational marijuana legal for adults age 21 and older.

Dispensaries will eventually be able to sell an array of recreational products, including flower, seeds, edibles, vapes, tinctures, oils, beverages, pills and lotions.

In addition to being able to purchase marijuana products for recreational use, adults 21 and over will be permitted to grow up to six plants individually and no more than 12 in a household with multiple adults.

Issue 2 stated that it will be legal to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and 15 grams of extracts.

Ohio became the 24th state to pass a recreational marijuana law with the vote.

It took effect Dec. 7, 2023.

Read more: Issue 2 passed in Ohio! So what exactly is recreational marijuana?

Ohio lawmakers want to make changes to Issue 2, legal marijuana

Although the majority of voters decided to allow legal use of recreational marijuana, legislators — primarily GOP lawmakers — have been grappling with the law and what they want (or don't want) to have go into effect.

'The Ohio Way': Gov. Mike DeWine wants changes to Issue 2 to do legal marijuana 'the Ohio way'

Legal weed reaction: West Chester Township bans marijuana sale, cultivation ahead of new law taking effect

Banning dispensaries? Ohio cities want to ban recreational marijuana dispensaries. Can they?

Home grow: GOP lawmakers in House, Senate divided on allowing Ohioans to grow marijuana at home

'Major' changes? Ohio senators want to make major changes to marijuana law OK'd by voters, ax home grow

Voters vs. Legislature: Ohio voters approved a new recreational marijuana law. Why can the Legislature change it?

Possible changes: Ohio Senate wants to change marijuana law before it takes effect Dec. 7

Frequently asked questions about Ohio's new marijuana law

While the law is officially in effect, people still have questions about details including when they can purchase marijuana and whether employers will test for it as a contingency for employment.

Ohioans weigh in: Recreational marijuana is now legal in Ohio. What's the buzz statewide?

Legal weed: Recreational marijuana is now legal in Ohio. Here's what you need to know

Breakdown of Issue 2: Public health, enforcement and more: Your questions answered about marijuana legalization

Purchasing pot: Where can you buy recreational marijuana in Ohio? New law takes effect today

Health questions: Is smoking pot unhealthy? Can you OD? Doctors answer questions about marijuana use

Users' guide: Recreational marijuana is now legal in Ohio. Here's what you need to know

Marijuana legalization sparks strong opinions

As lawmakers try to amend Issue 2, Ohioans are speaking up about the Legislature's actions and the law in general.

Editorial cartoonist Jerry King looks at the possibility of recreational marijuana coming to Ohio.
Editorial cartoonist Jerry King looks at the possibility of recreational marijuana coming to Ohio.

ABJ Editorial Board: Are Ohio lawmakers learning they can’t ignore voters on marijuana, other issues?

ABJ Editorial Board: The people of Ohio have spoken clearly 3 times in 2023. When will GOP get the message?

Winners and losers: Abortion access, railroad sale, marijuana among big election winners in Ohio, Kentucky | Opinion

Guest columnist: Ohioans would pay more for inferior marijuana under Republicans rushed amendment

Pot vs. Tobacco: We are not blinded by the smoke. Ohio lawmakers have marijuana, tobacco double standard

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Ohio weed legalization 2023: What’s going on with new marijuana law?