Ohio GOP Lawmakers Say Adult-Use Cannabis Sales Rules Could Be Ready In Spring, Promise 'Real Progress'

With both chambers of the Ohio legislature scheduled to have one more session each before taking a month off in March, the question of coming up with rules for legal marijuana sales is lingering in the air.

Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) said he is working toward getting something done in the spring, reported WKBN.

 "I'm sure eventually, as with all issues, there will be some sort of legislative action," Rep. Stephens said. “Will it be anything that is a total remake of what was voted on? Absolutely not."

Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) is optimistic about reaching an understanding on the issue of legal marijuana sales within the next month.

"Real progress, no different ideas," Huffman said. "Perhaps different pathways are beginning."

Even though Ohio overwhelmingly voted to legalize adult-use marijuana over two months ago, with the new law taking effect on Dec. 7, recreational marijuana sales have not yet kicked off.

See also: GOP Gov. Mike DeWine Calls On Ohio Lawmakers To Ban Or Strictly Regulate Delta-8 THC Products

Experts On Possibilities And Challenges Of Rec Market

Jared Maloof, CEO of Standard Wellness Holdings LLC, said the medical cannabis industry in Ohio has been "underwhelming." However, he expects the launch of the recreational market would result in strong demand.

This is in line with a recent Crain’s analysis that highlighted that’s an increase of only 1.2% year-over-year, suggesting the market has been stagnant over the period.

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