Will of the Voters?: The Future of Adult-Use Marijuana in Ohio

To date, 23 states have legalized adult-use cannabis for recreational purposes. In November of this year, Ohioans will have a chance to voice their views on whether the Buckeye state should follow in their footsteps. While the Ohio initiative is similar in many ways to other states’ reforms to legalize cannabis for recreational adult use, Ohio’s cannabis reform history and the particular details of the ballot proposal’s approach to legalization give a unique Buckeye character to this effort. Also, as initiated legislation (rather than as a proposed constitutional amendment) the Ohio General Assembly will be able to modify any parts of the initiative if it passes.

On Monday, October 23, 2023, the Drug Enforcement and Policy Center hosted a panel discussion featuring former and current legislators, experts, and advocates. The event explored this initiative’s structure, its expected implementation, and how could impact the state’s existing medical marijuana market. It also delved into the chances of passage given the off-cycle election year and other political dynamics related to how the Ohio General Assembly might respond to the outcome of the election.

Panelists:
State Representative Josh Williams, Ohio District 41
John Carney, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP
Jason Ortiz, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Last Prisoner Project
Lynn Silver, MD, MPH, FAAP, Senior Advisor, Public Health Institute

Moderator:
Douglas A. Berman, Newton D. Baker-Baker & Hostetler Chair in Law; Executive Director of the Drug Enforcement and Policy Center