Just months after legalization, Ohio lawmakers are considering changes to the state's recreational marijuana laws, including a proposed increase in the excise tax from 10% to 15% and restrictions on home cultivation and dispensary numbers.
CINCINNATI - Ohio lawmakers are considering changes to the state's recreational marijuana laws just months after legalization, with a new bill proposing to increase the excise tax and implement other restrictions.
The proposed legislation, spanning nearly 150 pages, seeks to reduce the number of marijuana plants that can be grown at home from 12 to 6 and cap the number of dispensaries at 350. However, the most impactful change could be felt at the cash register. State Senator Steve Huffman, a Republican from Tipp City, is advocating for an increase in the excise tax on recreational marijuana from 10% to 15%.Huffman believes that even with the tax increase, Ohio will remain competitive with neighboring states.He noted that the current 10% tax, along with additional county taxes, already brings the total to around 15%. The senator aims to direct all tax revenue into the state's general fund, a shift from the original plan to allocate funds to local governments and various programs, including substance abuse treatment. "At the start of the bill, it goes to the general revenue fund. I do think the Senate is going to have a say, so here are the things we feel are a priority," Huffman said. Tom Haren, the spokesman for the campaign to legalize recreational marijuana, criticized the proposed changes.Haren highlighting the nearly $300 million in sales already generated. "That's a quarter of a billion dollars that we've taken out of the illicit market and out of the pocket of Michigan dispensary owners," said Haren."The program is still in a precarious position as we still have to compete with the illicit market and still have to compete with lower prices at Michigan dispensaries," he said. Huffman assured that if the bill passes, the state will monitor the changes and make adjustments if necessary.Haren warned that the bill could disrupt the market.Hearings on the bill are set to begin in two weeks, with a potential full Senate vote by the end of February. The bill also proposes to reduce the allowable THC content in products from 90% to 70%.
Marijuana Laws Excise Tax Dispensaries Home Cultivation THC Content
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