HPIO brief outlines policy considerations for cannabis regulations

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – The Health Policy Institute of Ohio will release a new publication Friday, March 7, 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.

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. As the General Assembly considers legislation to regulate recreational cannabis, and the executive branch considers next steps, policymakers will need to weigh public health, public safety, equity and other considerations.
 
The brief gives an overview of the current status of recreational cannabis legislation under consideration in the General Assembly and also draws on previous HPIO analysis to outline what lessons can be learned from current tobacco and alcohol policy to inform future cannabis regulation.

For any questions about the analysis, or if you would like to talk with the report’s authors, please call or text Nick Wiselogel at 614.530.9918 or email nwiselogel@hpio.net. 

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