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“From the day it was passed, urgency was not part of the House’s deliberations,” said Stephens. “We cannot allow haste to interfere with the fight. It’s just a big change in Ohio law, culture, all of these things, we have to decide about it and we want to respect it.”
Since Ohio voters approved Proposition 2 on Election Day, lawmakers are rushing to repeal the law at various points of their own accord.
The Senate and Gov. worked together. Mike DeWine completes his recreational marijuana application this past week.
The Senate bill would reduce home planting limits from 12 trees per household to six; raising the cannabis tax rate from 10% to 15% and changing where that money goes; and reduce the level of THC in cannabis products; while also adding a way for individuals to waive the cost of cannabis and allow dispensaries to begin selling recreational drugs within three months then pass the bill.
The Senate and DeWine urged the House to act quickly. In their opinion, the time between possession of marijuana becoming legal on December 7 and the first state approval of the sale of recreational marijuana (about nine months under Title 2 ) may lead many Ohioans to the black market or Michigan.
Stephen said that the proceedings of the House should take into account the concerns raised by the governor and the Senate, while he respects the opinion of the voters. as much as possible.
When asked if he felt like the Senate plan respected the will of the voters, Stephens said, “Well, we don’t agree with it, so…”
The House remains tight-lipped about its views on the Senate’s disagreement, but the Republican and Democratic leaders in the chamber have given few details.
First, taxes. Stephens told reporters that there is “a little difference” between the chambers as to whether local or state governments should have more control over the tax revenue generated through in marijuana sales. Version 2 would normally give much of that power to the people of the country, but the Senate keeps it in the states. Stephens says he’s a “local guy.”
But there is also concern about the amount of taxes. Minority Leader Allison Russo, D-Upper Arlington, told reporters Tuesday that she would not say which tax she would support, but suggested it could be between the Senate’s 15% and version 2’s 10% rate.
“We want to make sure that taxes are not so high that … we’re sending people across state lines, or … we’re encouraging the black market,” Russo said. “I thought there was a nice place there maybe a little higher than what was in the plan.”
Russo said he hopes the House will keep the THC limits in Chapter 2 and the home improvement provisions.
Meanwhile, the House is continuing its deliberations on Bill 354, its own Chapter 2 Amendment. On Tuesday, lawmakers heard national testimony. to the Finance Committee of the House.
Some of the witnesses expressed opposition to the Senate bill, or the provisions being considered by the House; others expressed general opposition to any changes at all in Edition 2.
“The people did not vote for more than 70% of our tax revenue to go to law enforcement and four special funds. The people did not vote for higher taxes that will discourage our farmers and drive people back to Michigan. People didn’t vote on half of the plant allowance that you guys are offering,” Athens County marijuana attorney Saraquoia Bryant told the committee. “I understand. what we voted on was a regulatory summary, and I’m just asking that that summary be used and not cut.”
With no House vote scheduled for Wednesday’s session, the legislature is unlikely to agree on Amendment 2 before lawmakers recess. until mid-late January – subject to change.
“We could be dealing with this week, in January or late April or not at all,” Russo said. “The same is on the table, because Article 2 will go forward as passed by the voters.”