Will Marijuanas be Legalized in Ohio 2023?

If you live in Ohio, you’ve most likely heard people talking about the Ohio Marijuana Legalization Initiative. Depending on which politician, online forum, or news station you listen to – you may have heard conflicting opinions about it.

That’s why we’re going to take a moment to explain what this Ohio cannabis initiative is all about. That way, you’ll be able to make an informed decision when the time comes to vote on it in Ohio’s General Election in November. 

Ohio Marijuanas Law 2023

First, let’s address the current status of cannabis in the Buckeye State. As of August 2023, only Medical Marijuana is legal in Ohio. And, you must be a registered patient with the state. Otherwise, recreational marijuana remains illegal across the state of Ohio.

Ohio Weed Legality

This is where the Ohio Marijuana Legalization Initiative comes into play. On August 3, 2023 it was announced that the Marijuana Ballot Measure received 6,545 signatures. This was well above the 679 supplemental signatures required to get the initiative placed on the ballot for Ohio’s November 2023 General Election. 

If passed, it would make the recreational use of cannabis legal for those over the age of 21 in Ohio.

Ohio Marijuana Legalization

Like we said earlier, the medicinal use of cannabis has been legal for medical marijuana patients who are registered with the State of Ohio. But, that’s probably not why you’re reading this today.

You’re probably interested in finding out when marijuanas will be legal in Ohio. So, let’s get to it. 

When Will Weed Be Legal in Ohio?

To be clear, at the time we write this, the recreational use of cannabis remains illegal in Ohio. It would only become legal if, and only if, the Ohio Marijuana Initiative receives the required votes in November’s General Election.

Even then, it would probably take a few months after the election for the new laws to go into effect.

Medical Marijuanas in Ohio

Medical Marijuana, or Medical Marijuanas as some like to say, was legalized in Ohio in 2016. Bloom Medicinals has proudly served medical marijuana patients across the state of Ohio at our Akron, Columbus, Maumee, Painesville, and Seven Mile dispensaries since 2019. 

Through the years, Bloom has become known for high quality medical marijuana flower and products – as well as our knowledgeable and friendly budtenders. Now, our budtenders in Ohio wait patiently for the results of the vote in November – hoping to soon be able to welcome recreational-use marijuana customers to Bloom’s dispensaries!

Is Ohio Legalizing Weed in November?

The recreational use of cannabis in Ohio will only become legal if the Ohio Marijuana Legalization Initiative receives the required votes in the November 2023 election. So, if you support this measure, and would like to see recreational weed be legalized in Ohio, make sure to get out and vote in November. 

Ohio Recreational Weed

If the Ohio Marijuana Legalization Initiative receives the required votes in the November 2023 General Election here’s what would likely happen. The initiative would legalize and regulate the recreational use of marijuana in Ohio for adults, 21 years of age and older. 

Ohio Marijuana Legalization

If passed, the Ohio Marijuana Legalization Initiative would not only legalize the purchase and possession of cannabis by adults, it would also legalize home cultivation. Specifically, it would allow adults to legally possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuanas and up to 15 grams of marijuana concentrate in Ohio. Those over the age of 21 would also be allowed to grow up to six marijuana plants at home and households would be allowed to grow up to 12 plants collectively.1

Legalized & Regulated Weed in Ohio?

One thing that some supporters of the Ohio Marijuana Legalization Initiative point to is that it would not only legalize but also regulate recreational cannabis in Ohio.

If passed, the Ohio Marijuana Legalization Initiative would create Ohio’s Division of Cannabis Control  – which would be responsible for regulating and licensing marijuana operators and facilities. 

A Tax to Help Right the Wronged?

The Division of Cannabis Control would also oversee the standardization and compliance of marijuana in Ohio.

If laws change and recreational cannabis becomes legal in Ohio, marijuana sales would be taxed 10%. Revenue generated by this tax would go towards establishing a Cannabis Social Equity and Jobs Program. 

The Cannabis Social Equity and Jobs Program would provide financial support and assistance with license applications to those who have been disproportionately impacted by past marijuana-related law enforcement.

Ohio Medical Marijuana Card

Until laws change, having your Medical Marijuana Card remains the best way to stay on the right side of the law in Ohio. For our MMJ patients and blog readers in Ohio, Bloom wants to help make the process of getting or renewing your MMJ card a bit easier.

How to Get a Medical Marijuanas Card in Ohio

Bloom Ohio is here to help guide you through the process of applying for your Ohio Medical Marijuana Card.

Visit Bloom Ohio

For Help Applying for Your Ohio Medical Marijuana Card

Get a Medical Marijuana Card Online
Renew Your Medical Marijuana Card Online

Best Ohio Medical Marijuanas Strains

Bloom’s dispensary locations in Akron, Columbus, Maumee, Painesville, and Seven Mile, are fully stocked with premium flower and cannabis products for your Medical Marijuana needs. 

Ohio Bloom Dispensaries:


Works Cited:

  1. https://ballotpedia.org/Ohio_Marijuana_Legalization_Initiative_(2023)