Senate president says marijuana law will change if passed – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

Ohio’s Senate president says he thinks lawmakers will change the marijuana law if voters pass Issue 2

By: Karen Kasler | Statehouse News Bureau

Posted on:
Sunday, October 15, 2023

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (Statehouse News Bureau) —  The Republican-dominated Ohio Senate passed a resolution opposing the two issues on the Nov. 7 ballot – Issue 1, an amendment on reproductive and abortion rights, and Issue 2, a law to legalize recreational marijuana.

But the Republican leader of the Senate – who opposes legalized marijuana – said while there aren’t immediate plans to repeal the law if Issue 2 passes, it would likely undergo some changes.

In his speech on the Senate floor against Issue 2, President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) predicted what he calls a “mental health crisis” if voters pass Issue 2. He added that “this initiated statute is coming right back before this body.”

After session, Huffman clarified to reporters that doesn’t mean a total repeal of the law.

“I will advocate for reviewing it and repealing things or changing things that are in it,” Huffman said.

Huffman is concerned about a provision that will allow for some of the 10% in marijuana tax revenue to go to programs offering financial assistance and help with license applications for cannabis businesses for people who’ve been convicted of…