Ohio Lawmakers Propose Changes to Marijuana Law

Ohio lawmakers, led by Republican Sen. Stephen Huffman, are proposing Senate Bill 56 to amend the state's recently enacted adult-use marijuana law. The bill seeks to raise taxes on cannabis from 10% to 15%, reduce the number of home-grown plants allowed from 12 to 6, and lower THC limits in extracts from 90% to 70%. Critics argue that these changes undermine the will of the voters and could harm small businesses by capping dispensary licenses at 350 and making it easier for local governments to ban dispensaries. The legislation is framed as a move towards efficiency and child safety, but opponents contend it represents a significant rollback of the voter-approved law. In response to the proposed changes, advocates are raising concerns about the democratic process and the increasing trend of lawmakers disregarding voter decisions on marijuana policy. The bill is currently being fast-tracked through the legislative process, facing both support and significant opposition.