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Ohio voters will decide in November whether the state should legalize recreational marijuana.
The proposal from the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol would establish a new government program with rules for buying, selling, smoking and growing adult-use cannabis. The Nov. 7 ballot measure is an initiated statute, not a constitutional amendment, meaning the Legislature could make adjustments if it passes.
The USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau compiled answers to reader questions and other information voters should know about the proposed law, known as State Issue 2.
Why is Ohio voting on Issue 2?
Business leaders in Ohio’s marijuana industry worked for years to put this proposal before voters. They initially set their sights on the November 2022 election but clashed with GOP leaders over the initiated statute process.
Proponents believe Ohio can benefit from taxing adult-use cannabis and say legalization will put the black market out of business.
“It was always our intent to be on whatever the next ballot was because we believe Ohio is ready to enact an adult-use market,” said Tom Haren, a spokesman for the coalition.
Critics disagree and formed their own coalition, dubbed Protect Ohio Workers and Families, to campaign against the measure. Opponents include the Ohio Children’s Hospital Association, Fraternal Order of Police and multiple business groups such as the Ohio Business Roundtable.
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