HPIO brief outlines policy considerations for cannabis regulations

HPIO has released a new publication that provides a brief data overview of cannabis use in Ohio and policy considerations for the development of a new regulatory framework for recreational cannabis.
 
As displayed above, in 2021, Ohio had the 10th lowest rate of teen cannabis use, compared to the 43 other states for which data is available.
 
On Nov. 7, 2023, Ohio voters approved Ohio Issue 2. The ballot initiative changed Ohio law to allow the sale and purchase of recreational cannabis, regulated by a new Division of Cannabis Control within the Ohio Department of Commerce. The legislation proposed by Ohio Issue 2 became effective on Dec. 7, 2023, 30 days after the November election. 
 
As the Ohio General Assembly and executive branch consider next steps, policymakers will need to weigh public health, public safety, equity and other considerations.
 
The Ohio Department of Commerce has posted information on its cannabis policy considerations on the Division of Cannabis Control’s website, including a Non-Medical Cannabis FAQ. The FAQ includes information pertaining to business licenses and applications, consumers and administrative rules. Several proposed rules were submitted to the Common Sense Initiative on March 1 and public comment on these rules is due by March 13, 2024. More information is available here.  
 
The Ohio General Assembly is currently considering two pieces of legislation related to cannabis regulation, House Bill 86 and House Bill 354. More details about the legislation are provided in the HPIO publication.