# Ohio Legalizes Adult-Use Marijuana: 24th State to Allow Weed Use for Adults
Key Highlights :
The legalization of adult-use marijuana in Ohio on Tuesday marks a major milestone for the U.S. cannabis industry, making the Buckeye State the 24th in the nation to legalize the recreational use of cannabis by adults over the age of 21. With the passage of the measure, 53 percent of the U.S. population now lives in a jurisdiction where anyone at least 21 years old can legally possess weed.
Under the new law, adults over 21 can possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and grow up to six plants. The measure creates a Division of Cannabis Control, which is responsible for setting up and regulating the adult-use cannabis market. Cannabis will be taxed at 10 percent. An Ohio State University report estimates that legal marijuana will generate about $300 million a year in revenue for the state.
The launch of Ohio’s market will also likely put pressure on neighboring states Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky and Indiana, since their residents will undoubtedly be crossing the border to buy weed – and contribute tax dollars – in the Buckeye State. Sales are slated to start by the end of 2024 if the measure is implemented as written. But with the Republican-dominated Legislature critical of the initiative, there could be a lengthy legislative battle over amendments. That would likely delay implementation and potentially give rise to a stubborn illicit market.
The legalization of adult-use cannabis in Ohio is a major step forward in the ongoing effort to end the prohibition of cannabis in the United States. With 24 states now allowing the use of cannabis for adults, the U.S. is quickly becoming a leader in cannabis reform. This trend is expected to continue, as more states are expected to legalize cannabis in the coming years.
As more states legalize cannabis, the industry is expected to see significant growth. Cannabis businesses in Ohio are set to benefit from the new law, as the state is expected to become one of the largest markets in the U.S. With the passage of the measure, Ohio is now well-positioned to become a major player in the cannabis industry.
The legalization of cannabis in Ohio is a major victory for the cannabis industry and for the state. With the passage of the measure, Ohio is now the 24th state in the U.S. to legalize adult-use marijuana, furthering a trend of more conservative states establishing legal markets. The new law will generate revenue for the state, create jobs, and provide access to a safe and regulated cannabis market for adults over 21.
