Ohio passes measure to legalize recreational marijuana

Ohio voters have approved issue 2 on the November ballot which allows adults over 21 years old to grow, possess and purchase marijuana. 

Ohioans will now be allowed to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana while also being able to grow six plants per household. Cannabis products will also be taxed 10% on top of the state sales tax. The tax money will mostly go to addiction services, communities with cannabis facilities and social equity and jobs programmes. These standards will take effect on Dec. 7.

Portage county voter Randy Stallard said “I honestly don’t believe it will bring a lot of change that we’ll see. I think it will pass easily.”

Stallard’s prediction turned out to be correct as an estimated 99% of the votes have been counted and it stands at 57% voting yes on issue 2.

It has been a long journey for Ohioans in support of legalizing recreational marijuana. In 2015, Ohio voted no on a constitutional amendment to legalize marijuana. 

Only a year later in 2016, Ohio became the 25th state to legalize medical marijuana and now Ohio becomes the 24th state to allow adult marijuana use for non-medical purposes. 

Portage county voter Larry Stewart said “I’m 66 years old, back in the day if I ever thought that would be on the ballot now I’d say you’re goofy. It’s a sign of the times.”