COLUMBUS, Ohio — The political landscape in Ohio has undergone a transformative year, marked by significant legislative shifts. Among the notable changes are the approval of Issues 1 and 2 during the November elections, ushering in a new era for Ohioans with expanded access to abortions and the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Looking ahead to the upcoming year, here’s a breakdown of what to anticipate following the passage of these pivotal issues:
Marijuana Legalization: Effective December 7, Ohio residents aged 21 and older can now legally partake in the consumption and possession of cannabis. The legislation permits the use of 2.5 ounces of adult-use cannabis and 15 grams of extract, accompanied by a 10% tax on purchases. Individuals are also granted the freedom to cultivate up to six plants for personal use, with a household limit set at 12 plants.
The establishment of licensed dispensaries will be delayed for several months, allowing the Department of Commerce to formulate rules and regulations surrounding licensing. James V. Canepa has been appointed as the superintendent of the newly formed Division of Cannabis Control, commencing his role on January 1.
Abortion Protections: Constitutional safeguards for abortion access and reproductive rights came into effect on December 7, securing an individual’s right to “make and carry out one’s own reproductive decisions” with a decisive 57% majority. While the amendment doesn’t repeal existing Ohio laws, it creates an opportunity for Republican officials and anti-abortion groups to renew efforts to challenge, delay, or modify the legislation, setting the stage for potential debates in the statehouse.
In addition to these headline-making changes, several other noteworthy adjustments will take effect in January:
- Minimum Wage Increase: Mandated by the Constitutional Amendment (II-34a) passed by Ohio voters in 2006, the minimum wage is set to rise from $10.10 to $10.45 per hour for non-tipped employees and from $5.05 to $5.25 per hour for tipped employees, effective January 1, 2024.
- Flavored Tobacco Ban in Columbus: The Board of Health in Columbus has implemented an amendment, effective January 1, 2024, that introduces new requirements, including the prohibition of flavored tobacco products within the city limits.
- Social Media Parental Notification Act: Enacted by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine in July, this act mandates that minors under 16 obtain parental consent before using social media. Social media platforms must develop procedures for age verification and secure consent from parents or guardians. This legislation, excluding apps and websites for online shopping, will take effect on January 15, 2024.