Protect Ohio’s Existing Cannabis Laws

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In November 2023, Ohio voters overwhelmingly approved a citizen-initiated statute legalizing recreational adult-use cannabis, known at the time as Issue 2. To date, major pieces of the law remain in flux and lawmakers are not giving voters what they approved.

The Ohio General Assembly has already introduced legislation in both chambers – Senate Bill 56 and House Bill 160 – that would subvert the will of voters. Both bills outline major changes that impact existing laws. These provisions span dismantling the tax dollar distribution structure voters passed, limiting home grow, and prohibiting the gifting of cannabis between adults.

The ACLU of Ohio believes there are two necessary steps in cannabis policy: legalize and repair. We’ve accomplished the first, and now we must ensure that the social justice components of Issue 2 come to fruition. Sales exceeded $405million by the end of March 2025, yet the money supposedly allocated for the Social Equity and Jobs Program or supporting communities with dispensaries is yet to be seen.

We must protect the policy that voters passed to address the many harms caused by the failed war on drugs.

TAKE ACTION: Tell Ohio Lawmakers to protect our existing cannabis laws and to protect the Social Equity and Jobs Program.

Message Recipients: Members of the Ohio Senate and House of Representatives

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Dear Ohio Lawmaker,

Please uphold the will of Ohio voters by rejecting bills that dismantle the cannabis legalization laws passed in 2023.

Message Body

We know that Ohio’s adult-use cannabis industry is generating hundreds of millions of dollars; however, there has been no movement on the creation of the Social Equity and Jobs Program, a cornerstone of the citizen-initiated statue that voters approved in 2023. This program was intended to take steps toward remedying the harm resulting from the disproportionate enforcement of drug laws.

Under our adult-use cannabis law, consumers pay a 10% excise tax in addition to the state’s usual sales tax. 36% of the monies received from the excise tax were specifically earmarked for the Social Equity and Jobs Fund. Despite dollars flowing in, there does not appear to be any flowing out.

Millions should already be set-aside for initiatives that would: 1) provide financial and technical assistance to people certified under the Cannabis Social Equity and Jobs Program, 2) fund judicial and criminal justice reform, and 3) fund direct investment in disproportionately impacted communities.

The War on Drugs disproportionately failed Black and Brown Ohioans. We must work to erase the negative impact of drug criminalization. Voters support drug policy reform, I urge you to, as well.

Please protect Ohio’s existing cannabis laws, prioritize the Social Equity and Jobs Program, and reject any potential overhauls in the new General Assembly.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]

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Protect Ohio’s Existing Cannabis Laws

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