Staff article:

COLUMBUS, Ohio—Today, Senate Minority Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood), a Lakewood Democrat who's 23rd district includes 14 of Cleveland's 17 wards, responded to the proposed Republican changes to State Issue 2, adult-use recreational marijuana laws that were approved by Ohio voters in November.

"A few tweaks to the law may be necessary, but too many of the proposed changes are egregious and could thwart the will of the people, who voted decisively in favor of Issue 2," said Antonio. "I'm hopeful that we can continue to work together to end up with policy that respects what the people of Ohio voted for."

Issue 2 passed with 57% voter approval and is set to go into effect on Dec. 7. The original language would legalize adult-use recreational marijuana, create a home grow program, establish dispensaries, and create a tax on cannabis products.

The changes to Issue 2 have been proposed in a substitute version of House Bill 86, which is currently being heard in the Senate General Government Committee.

Some of the proposed changes would ban home grow, significantly increase taxes, and eliminate the substance abuse and addiction fund.

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