News 5 is taking a deep dive into Issue 2 and what the measure means for Ohioans. If you'd like to know more about Issue 2, this is a great opportunity for a thorough look at its potential impact.
What is Issue 2?
Issue 2 enacts a new chapter of the Ohio Revised Code, which permits controlled and regulated sales and use of cannabis for adults 21 and over and establishes the Division of Cannabis Control within the Ohio Department of Commerce, according to the ballot text.
The Division is authorized to regulate, investigate and penalize adult-use cannabis operators, testing laboratories and individuals required to be licensed.
The law legalizes and regulates the cultivation, processing, sale, purchase, possession, home grow and use of cannabis by adults at least 21 years old.
The law allows Ohio adults 21 and over to possess 2.5 ounces of cannabis or up to 15 grams of cannabis extract. Individuals are permitted to cultivate up to six cannabis plants at their primary residence or up to 12 at a residence where two or more adults reside.
The sale of cannabis by dispensaries will be taxed at a rate of 10%, in addition to usual sales taxes. The 10% tax will be distributed as follows: 36% to a cannabis social equity and jobs fund, 36% to a host community cannabis facilities fund, 25% to a substance abuse and addiction fund and 3% to a division of cannabis control and tax commission fund.
The law authorizes landlords and employers to prohibit the use of cannabis in certain circumstances and prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle while using or under the influence of cannabis. Combustible use of cannabis is also prohibited while a passenger in a motor vehicle.
You can read a summary and the full text of the law here.
RELATED: Could cannabis bring more crime? What communities with legal pot tell us
On Thursday at 5:30 p.m., News 5 aired special coverage about recreational marijuana in Ohio, including information on marijuana stores, kids and cannabis, health implications, and more.
You can watch the special in the video player below:
Also, we investigated what, if any, effect that legalization has had on crime in those states and communities, allowing pot to be available to people 21 years old and over.
RELATED: How can marijuana affect a developing brain?
At 6 p.m., News 5's Jonathan Walsh and Karen Kasler with Ideastream Public Media moderated a live discussion on News 5's Facebook or YouTube page with a panel of experts, including:
- Tom Haren - With the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol
- Gary Wolskie - Fraternal Order of Police Ohio President
- Bill Schuck - Former Ohio House member, Issue 2 Opponent
- Michelle Simakis - Editor, Cannabis Business Times
Watch a replay of the live discussion on YouTube below:
News 5 Investigator Jonathan Walsh has been covering Issue 2 for his series of reports: "Marijuana in Ohio" - watch his investigation into how dispensaries work in neighboring Michigan, which legalized recreational marijuana several years ago:
See more from his series here.
