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[Archive] Issue 2: An act to regulate adult use of cannabis (2023)
HPIO is an independent and nonpartisan organization. Our mission is to advance evidence-informed policies that improve health, achieve equity, and lead to sustainable healthcare spending in Ohio. HPIO’s primary audience is policymakers and since voters are policymakers in the case of a ballot initiative, HPIO regularly creates resource pages to make information on the health impact of relevant statewide ballot issues easily accessible. The links to resources contained on this page are for educational purposes only and do not reflect the views of HPIO, including HPIO staff, board members and funders.
On Nov. 7, 2023, Ohio voters approved Ohio Issue 2. Because the new statute could have significant future implications on health policy in Ohio, HPIO plans to keep this resource page active for future reference.
Background
On Nov. 7, 2023, Ohioans will vote on Issue 2 – a ballot initiative that would change Ohio law to:
- Allow the sale and purchase of cannabis, which a new Division of Cannabis Control would regulate
- Allow people who are at least 21 years old to use and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis
- Enact a 10% tax on cannabis sales
While some ballot initiatives seek changes to the Ohio Constitution, this law — called an initiated state statute — would be added to the Ohio Revised Code. This means that the change to Ohio law was proposed by Ohio citizens and will be submitted directly to Ohio voters who can vote to enact the law. If the proposed law is approved by the majority of voters, it will become effective 30 days after the election and would be subject to subsequent revisions by the Ohio General Assembly.
For more details about the ballot initiative process, see the Ohio Secretary of State website.
General information
Official arguments for and against the initiative
The following arguments were filed with the Ohio Secretary of State:
Tobacco, alcohol and health series: Implications for future cannabis policy (HPIO policy brief, 2021)
Click here to download
Decades of research on tobacco and alcohol provide evidence for approaches that are most effective to reduce the harms caused by these legal drugs. This 2021 HPIO policy brief lays the groundwork for future cannabis policy discussions by:
- Highlighting what works to reduce tobacco and excessive alcohol use
- Describing recent and upcoming tobacco, alcohol and cannabis policy changes
- Applying lessons learned from tobacco and alcohol to inform equitable and effective cannabis regulation in the future
Click to enlarge
Resources
State cannabis policy trackers
- Cannabis overview (summary of state cannabis laws) — National Conference of State Legislators
- Recently Adopted Cannabis Legalization Laws — National Institute of Health
Research and data
- Cannabis and Alcohol Use by U.S. Young Adults, 2008–2019: Changes in Prevalence After Recreational Cannabis Legalization — American Journal of Preventive Medicine (June 2023)
- Cannabis Legalization In The US: Population Health Impacts — Health Affairs (July 2021)
- Marijuana Use and Highway Safety — Congressional Research Service (May 2019)
News articles that explain the issue
- “Ohio Issue 2: How is recreational marijuana legalization working in other states?” Columbus Dispatch, Oct. 25
- “Recreational marijuana: What both sides are saying about Ohio’s Issue 2,” Dayton Daily News, Sept. 17
- “What Ohioans need to know about November ballot issue to legalize recreational marijuana,” Cincinnati Enquirer, Sept. 11
- “If it passes on the ballot, Ohio lawmakers may alter recreational marijuana law,” WCMH, Columbus, Sept. 5
- “A marijuana legalization question will be on Ohio’s fall ballot after lawmakers failed to act on it,” Associated Press, Aug. 16