Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine: Proposed changes to Ohio’s new marijuana legalization law won’t contain ‘surprises’ – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

COLUMBUS, Ohio—Gov. Mike DeWine said that he and legislative leaders met on Monday to discuss what changes to make to Issue 2, a recreational marijuana legalization law passed by voters last week.

DeWine, speaking with reporters at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, declined to say exactly what proposed changes he discussed with Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens and Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman during a breakfast meeting. But he indicated that they didn’t bring up any proposals that they previously didn’t air in public after Issue 2′s passage.

“I don’t think there’s any surprises out there,” said DeWine, a Republican who last week said he wants to enact marijuana restrictions intended to prevent accidental ingestion, public use, driving while intoxicated and advertising. He also said he wants lawmakers to lift existing criminal penalties for marijuana possession to avoid public confusion.

Huffman, a Lima Republican, has expressed interest in raising the 10% sales tax on marijuana created by Issue 2, as well as lowering the maximum amount of THC that marijuana products can contain. Stephens, a Lawrence County Republican, has suggested lawmakers would divert some marijuana tax money toward county jail construction and law-enforcement training.