Advocates in Ohio are striving to put a cannabis legalization question before voters in 2024, but they are currently 679 signatures short of their target. The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol has until August 4 to gather the remaining signatures to proceed with their proposal.
The Coalition initially stated that they had collected over 220,000 signatures, exceeding the required number. However, a review by Secretary of State Frank LaRose revealed a shortfall. Despite this setback, Tom Haren, a coalition spokesperson, expressed confidence in gathering the remaining signatures by the deadline.
A recent USA TODAY Network/Suffolk University poll found that 58.6% of respondents support adult-use cannabis legalization in Ohio, with 35% opposing and 6% undecided. The issue garners significant backing from Democrats, independents, and some Republicans.
The ballot measure seeks to permit adults aged 21 and older to purchase and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and cultivate plants at home. It proposes a 10% sales tax to fund administrative expenses, addiction treatment, municipalities hosting dispensaries, and social equity and jobs programs.
The Ohio cannabis legalization initiative faces its final hurdle in acquiring the required signatures to proceed to the 2024 ballot. With growing public support and confidence from advocates, Ohio could see significant progress toward cannabis regulation and taxation.
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