By Collin Cunningham
(OHIO) A pair of Ohio lawmakers have recently drafted and filed a bill that would legalize recreational marijuana for use and sale in the state.
Per 19 News, Hudson Rep. Cased Weinstein and Cleveland Rep. Terrence Howard — both Democrats — would provide comprehensive measures for ratifying marijuana usage. That includes decriminalizing the substance as well as setting up standards for taxing and licensing to fulfill the sale of THC.
Weinstein tweeted on Friday that he intends to host a virtual town hall soon to address language and provisions contained in the bill.
"We’re seeing there are dramatic economic benefits, there are medical benefits and there’s a strong criminal justice avenue here so we can focus law enforcement on violent crime," Weinstein said during a recent interview, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Ohio residents have been able to use marijuana for medical purposes since 2016, but Howard's and Weinstein's proposed bill would allow Ohioans aged 21 and over to purchase up to five ounces of the substance and grow up to 12 marijuana plants for personal use.
The reps hope to appeal to the state's Congress by championing the economic incentives of legal weed, which could provide up to $20 million each year to perform research on treating new conditions with marijuana through a 10% excise tax.
“It’s time to lead Ohio forward,” Weinstein continued, according to 19 News. “This is a big step for criminal justice reform, for our veterans, for economic opportunity, and for our individual liberties.”
Now that the bill has been filed, it just needs to be given a number before it can move on to a House committee for initial review.