Smith Votes Yes on House Bill 86

Today, state Senator Kent Smith (D-Euclid) issued a statement regarding his yes vote on House Bill 86, which made changes to the adult use recreational marijuana laws passed under Issue 2.

"Today, the Ohio Senate rose to the moment, listened to the voters, engaged in true bipartisanship, and crafted adult use marijuana legislation in response to the November 7 election results," said Smith. "I was grateful that the provision that I advocated for – that all 88 counties are now able to use marijuana revenue to reinvest in their creative economies – was included in the legislation. Other beneficial provisions include a path to expungement, additional funds for public health, and prohibitions on indoor public smoking. I call upon the House to improve the legislation or concur."

Senator Smith’s amendment to the legislation allows counties to place a marijuana product excise tax on the ballot for voter approval. The funding would be earmarked towards arts, culture, and entertainment within the county.
 
House Bill 86 now heads back to the House of Representatives for a potential concurrence vote.