It looks like the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol has a week to gather around 13,000 more valid signatures in order to force the Ohio Legislature to consider its proposed measure legalizing recreational marijuana in the Buckeye State.
Back in mid-December, Ohio Marijuana Card reported that the organization had submitted more than enough signatures to the Secretary of State, Frank LaRose’s office, to make the petition to legalize recreational marijuana official; but the number of verified signatures fell short of the 132,887 needed. This is a common situation for organizations pushing for legislative measures through the petition process, because of duplicate signatures, and signatures from people who are not properly registered to vote.
What’s Next for Marijuana in Ohio?
Changes Coming for Medical Marijuana in Ohio
Marijuana in Ohio is getting all kinds of action in 2022, and it looks like medical marijuana patients stand to benefit the most. The Ohio State Senate recently passed a bill addressing top patient complaints about the state program. If passed in the House, it would make medical marijuana more affordable and accessible for patients seeking the comfort of natural relief.
In addition to new expansions and improvements for the Ohio medical marijuana program just on the horizon, the State Board of Pharmacy has already eliminated the tier system for medical marijuana flower and increased the amount of flower patients can purchase in a 90-day period. Both changes were effective January 3rd, 2022.
Recreational Marijuana in Ohio
Recreational marijuana legalization in Ohio still has a long way to go before we will see anyone being able to make purchases without a recommendation from a doctor. The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol will likely get the additional 13,000 valid signatures it needs by the deadline, but the process afterward is where the long haul toward legalization becomes evident.
After the signatures are verified, Ohio lawmakers will have four months to consider the proposed measure. After they have considered it, they can either adopt, reject, or amend the proposal. We already know they are likely to either reject or amend. If lawmakers reject, the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol will then be tasked with collecting enough signatures in order to get on the ballot for the November 2022 elections.
If lawmakers amend, there will likely be substantial delays while they hammer out the new details of legalization.
When Will Recreational Marijuana be For Sale in Ohio?
Once recreational legalization is enacted, an infrastructure needs to be established to cultivate, process and sell marijuana at licensed facilities. A system to regulate and enforce laws needs to be in place first.
The proposed measure submitted by the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol included extending licensing to existing medical marijuana facilities to speed up availability, but it will still take time in order to ensure supply is not cut short for patients.
Most states that have legalized recreational marijuana are taking about three years to initiate legal sales. Even if this measure is adopted with no amendments in four months, we are looking at Spring 2025 before recreational marijuana is likely to be sold legally at Ohio dispensaries.
Get Access to Legal Marijuana Products in Ohio Now!
The thing that most adults in Ohio don’t realize is that it’s easy and affordable to get a medical marijuana card in Ohio. You don’t have to wait for recreational marijuana to be legal in the state in order to get access to the relief you need right now!
If you are unsure if you qualify for medical marijuana, give our patient support team a call at (866) 457-5559. Or, if you’re ready to start shopping at Ohio medical marijuana dispensaries today, then schedule an appointment with one of our Ohio certified medical marijuana doctors now!
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
Here at Ohio Marijuana Card, our goal is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at (866) 457-5559, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out Ohio Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Ohio.