The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Is Nearing Enough Signatures to Advance Its Adult-Use Cannabis Proposal in Ohio

If the group gathers 133,000 signatures, the Ohio Legislature would have four months to consider the group’s initiated statute.

The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol has collected nearly enough signatures to advance its adult-use cannabis legalization proposal in Ohio, according to the Ohio Capital Journal.

Thomas Haren, an Ohio-based attorney and a spokesperson for the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, told the news outlet that he expects the group to gather the 133,000 required signatures by the end of the month.

The proposal would allow adults 21 and older to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis or 15 grams of cannabis extract. Adults would also be permitted to purchase cannabis at dispensaries or grow up to two plants at home for personal use.

If lawmakers fail to pass the statute, the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol can collect an additional 130,000 signatures to place its proposed law before voters on Ohio’s November 2022 ballot.

In the meantime, State Reps. Casey Weinstein and Terrance Upchurch introduced an adult-use cannabis legalization bill in the House over the summer, while Rep. Jamie Callendar introduced his own adult-use legislation last month.

The Buckeye State also has a medical cannabis expansion underway, with a recent announcement that licensed cultivators can seek approval to expand their operations. The move coincides with the state’s decision to license additional dispensaries to meet patient demand.

In addition, on Nov. 9, State Sen. Steve Huffman introduced legislation to allow physicians to recommend medical cannabis for any medical condition.