Graphic of the week: Disparities in cannabis arrest rates

Last week, HPIO 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.
 
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.
 
As displayed above, while the cannabis use rate for Black Ohioans was 1.7 times greater than white Ohioans in 2021, the cannabis arrest rate for Black Ohioans was 5.3 times greater than for white Ohioans the following year.
 
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 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.