News

Legislators are on break with legal cannabis issue looming in 2022

By: Andy Chow | Statehouse News Bureau
Posted on: Monday, December 13, 2021

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Statehouse News Bureau) — The Ohio House is on break until after the new year, but there are several issues that lawmakers are expected to tackle when they return.

That includes potentially addressing two bills to legalize marijuana for personal use, with an issue that could go before voters next year.

A group pushing to legalize marijuana wants to put the issue on the ballot unless legislators take action beforehand.

Two bills have already been introduced to legalize pot for personal use, one from Republicans (HB498) and one from Democrats (HB382).

But House Speaker Bob Cupp (R-Lima) said it’s too early to know if that issue will see movement.

“I’m pretty sure there’ll be significant opposition to it. There may be some significant support in some corners as well, so we will just see,” said Cupp.

Another hurdle would be Gov. Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) who has been a vocal opponent to legalizing pot.