COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a rare move, two Ohio House Republicans have proposed legalizing recreational marijuana in the state.
The bill has not been formally introduced and remains in its preliminary stages. Representatives Jamie Callender, Lake County, and Ron Ferguson, Jefferson County, said the bill would allow Ohio residents over 21 to legally purchase marijuana from a licensed distributor or grow up to six plants of their own.
The bill would also allow Ohioans to have any marijuana-related convictions sealed or expunged.
According to Callender, there would be a 10% tax on all recreational sales. The revenue would be split, with half going to the state’s general revenue fund and the second half going to law enforcement and mental health services.
The pair of Republicans hope to introduce the bill by Thanksgiving.
Democratic legislators Casey Weinstein of Hudson and Terrence Upchurch of Cleveland introduced legislation similar to Callender’s in August. Their bill has not garnered much support and remains floundering awaiting committee hearings.