Ohio Issue 2
Recreational marijuana is legal in Ohio, but bills are trying to change the law
Marijuana is now legal in Ohio, but lawmakers are continuing to try and tinker with the law. The Ohio Senate passed a bill Wednesday night with major changes to the law that the Ohio House could bring to the floor for a vote next week. Meanwhile, the Ohio House has a bill in committee that adds […]
Ohio Senate Republicans’ planned demolition of new recreational marijuana law is an insult to voters
Less than a month ago, Ohio voters approved marijuana use, possession, and sales for adults. It was a 57-43% vote, a considerable landslide in voting terms. The margin was not a surprise. Legalization is popular across numerous demographics and, apparently, across the state. Issue 2 also passed as an initiated statute, not a constitutional amendment. […]
New bill by Republican lawmaker would change Ohio’s marijuana law
The race is on to alter Ohio’s marijuana law before it goes into effect Thursday. Rep. Gary Click, R-Vickery, recently introduced House Bill 341 — which would change how the revenue funds would be allocated and allow municipalities to ban marijuana dispensaries and home grow. Ohioans passed Issue 2 with 57% of the vote, which […]
‘Can I buy marijuana online?’ and more legal weed questions answered
Since Issue 2, the law to legalize recreational marijuana, passed on election night, WEWS/OCJ viewers and readers have been writing in to ask what this means. Ohio Statehouse reporter Morgan Trau breaks it down with the help of some legal experts. This is the second in a series of answering questions about marijuana policy in […]
Democracy and constitutional government is under assault in Ohio. What are we going to do about it?
If you’re worried about the state of the nation, welcome to the club. For at least a decade, a number of troubling signs have emerged which raise questions about the health of the American republic. Make no mistake. The warning indicator sensor light is indeed flashing red. The most telling indicators of stress on the […]
Ohio Republican leaders discussing marijuana policy privately, Democrats warn against sneakiness
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine gave more insight into what changes Ohio Statehouse leaders want to make to the newly passed recreational marijuana law, much to Democrats’ chagrin. Ohio voters spoke and passed Issue 2, the proposal to legalize recreational marijuana for adults, decisively. “We have an obligation I believe, to carry that out,” DeWine said […]
In America, the people are sovereign. But gerrymandered Ohio GOP lawmakers won’t respect that
Members of Ohio’s domineering political party have forgotten that we the people are sovereign. The ultimate power in the state rests with us, not them. Ohioans overwhelmingly endorsed enshrining reproductive freedom in the state constitution and legalizing marijuana in a new state law. That should have been the last word on two popular statewide issues […]
You have questions about legal marijuana in Ohio. We have answers.
Since Ohio Issue 2, the law to legalize recreational marijuana, passed on election night, WEWS/OCJ viewers and readers have been writing in to ask what this means. Statehouse reporter Morgan Trau breaks it down with the help of some legal experts. About 57% of voters approve of recreational marijuana, leading to many questions from both […]
An inside view from a Voting Location Manager on Tuesday’s election in Ohio
“I’ll be honest. I’m here for the weed.” So said one of the voters who showed up on Tuesday at the polling location in Columbus I had volunteered to manage. Yeah, he was all in for Issue 2. His comment wasn’t much of a surprise to me and the hard-working team of volunteers who were […]
Ohio Gov. DeWine ‘accepts’ will of the people on abortion, marijuana, but hold on
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is “accepting” the will of the people on legalizing abortion access and marijuana recreation, but that acceptance comes with caveats. Days after Ohioans voted to enshrine abortion and other reproductive rights in the state constitution, the governor acknowledged the result — even as fellow Republicans look for ways to overturn it. […]
Gov. DeWine calls on legislators to modify recreational marijuana law before it goes into effect
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine says he accepts that Ohioans have voted to legalize recreational marijuana, but is calling on legislators to make changes to the law before it goes into effect on Dec. 7. “My recommendation to the General Assembly is that they take action to make sure that both rights are protected,” DeWine said […]
State, local elections offer good news for democracy
The big news out of Tuesday’s elections was wins for Democrats and for reproductive rights in Ohio, Virginia, Kentucky and Pennsylvania. But small “d” democracy also had a good night: Virginians elected pro-voting majorities in both chambers, stymieing efforts to pass restrictive new voting laws. Ohioans turned out in large numbers to pass two popular […]