Issue 2 and 3: Marijuana legalization in Ohio

Hannah Armenta

Issue 3 will legalize marijuana for both medicinal and personal use. The issue – a“citizen’s initiative” bill – was proposed by ResponsibleOhio and had to gain a certain amount of signatures before it was put on the ballot.

The bill will give investment groups the ability to create 10 commercial growing sites around the state. Individuals ages 21 and older will be able to posses one ounce of marijuana and grow up to four plants, or eight ounces, of marijuana at home.

There will be a special excise tax applied on the sale to both the processors, dispensaries and individual buyers.

Issue 2 is an anti-monopoly bill that was created by state lawmakers in response to Issue 3. The bill will make it more difficult for groups like ResponsibleOhio to get special interests from getting onto the ballot and onto the Ohio Constitution.

There is also a special provision in the bill that says if Issue 3 is passed through popular vote, it cannot take action.

If Issue 3 passes, marijuana will be legalized. If Issue 2 passes, marijuana will not be legalized. If both pass, marijuana will not be legalized. 

Hannah Armenta is the editor of The Kent Stater. Contact her at [email protected]