Majority Rules: Ohio Legalizes Recreational Marijuana with Strong Support

Athens County Leads Ohio’s Shift to Legalize Recreational Cannabis

Summary

• Ohio has become the 24th state to legalize recreational marijuana after voters approved Issue 2.
• The measure passed with a 57% majority, with key counties like Cuyahoga, Athens, and Franklin showing strong support.

Ohio voters have approved Issue 2, legalizing recreational marijuana use, making Ohio the 24th state to do so. The measure passed with 57% of the vote. Key counties supporting the measure included Cuyahoga (67%), Athens (69%), and Franklin (68%).

This marks a significant shift from 2015 when no county supported a similar proposal. The 2015 initiative would have created a monopoly controlled by ten wealthy donors, which likely contributed to its failure. In contrast, the newly approved measure does not include such provisions.

Athens County showed the most significant change in support, increasing from 37.1% in 2015 to 69.4% in 2023. Similarly, Franklin and Cuyahoga counties also saw substantial increases in support. No county reduced its support for marijuana legalization between the two elections.

Under the new law, adults 21 and over can buy and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and grow up to six plants. A 10% tax on purchases will fund administrative costs and addiction treatment programs. Additionally, the law will provide financial assistance to individuals from disadvantaged groups who want to start cannabis businesses.

Medical marijuana has been legal in Ohio since 2016, with the first dispensaries opening in 2019. The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program has granted certificates of operation to 107 dispensaries and 27 provisional licenses.

Eight years after a failed attempt, Ohio voters passed Issue 2 on Tuesday, legalizing recreational marijuana use for adults. The measure garnered 57% approval statewide, making Ohio the 24th state to legalize recreational weed.

Key Voting Results

• Top Supportive Counties:
• Athens County: 69% in favor
• Franklin County: 68% in favor
• Cuyahoga County: 67% in favor
• Least Supportive Counties:
• Putnam County: 31% in favor
• Holmes County: 31% in favor
• Mercer County: 38% in favor

Unlike the 2015 attempt, which failed in every county, this year’s Issue 2 saw widespread support across Ohio.

Changes from 2015 to 2023

The 2015 proposal was notably different, aiming to create a monopoly controlled by 10 wealthy donors. In contrast, Issue 2 presents a more accessible framework for legalization, which likely contributed to the significant shift in voter opinion. For example, Athens County saw an increase in support from 37.1% in 2015 to 69.4% in 2023.

What the New Law Entails

• Adults 21 and over can legally buy and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and up to a half-ounce of extract.
• Individuals can grow up to six plants per person.
• A 10% tax will be applied to purchases, funding administrative costs and addiction treatment.
• Financial programs will be available for disadvantaged individuals wanting to start cannabis businesses. Unlike some other states, arrests or convictions for marijuana-related offenses will not be automatically expunged.

Medical Marijuana Program

Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Control Program has already approved 107 dispensaries and 27 provisional licenses.

This new law signifies a major shift in public opinion and policy in Ohio, reflecting broader trends in marijuana legalization across the United States.