MASSILLON – City Council is opposing proposed state legislation and any attempts that would change Ohio’s recreational marijuana law. The resolution was passed by council 9-0 on Monday night.
Ohio Bill 56 aims to redirect tax revenue from the previously designated Cannabis Social Equity and Jobs Fund, Host Community Cannabis Fund, Substance Abuse and Addiction Fund, and Division of Cannabis Control, as well as the Tax Commissioner Fund, to the state’s general revenue fund.
Backers of the current law touted it as a way to right the wrongs of cannabis prohibition: The statute created a social equity and jobs program to promote diversity in the industry and support those who were penalized by previous laws, according to the Columbus Dispatch.
The city’s resolution opposes changes that counter the decision of Ohio voters, who supported legalizing recreational marijuana in November 2023. Massillon voters approved the state measure with 57% of the vote.
“The tax dollar potential is the whole reason why I voted for this (in 2023),” said City Councilman Mike Gregg, R-Ward 3, prior to council’s vote. “I fully support this resolution.”
Councilman Eric Ray, D-Ward 2, agreed.
“We all knew when this (marijuana issue) came on the ballot two years ago that there would be a benefit to the city,” Ray said.
The resolution states that voter-approved, tax revenue allocation is critical for supporting host communities, such as the city of Massillon, and opposes all formats — including state budget changes — to alter the Ohio marijuana law.
“We think it’s unfair and a bait-and-switch, (with state officials trying to change) the game in the local funding (aspect),” said Ted Herncane, the city’s development director, prior to council’s passage of the measure. “That’s not what people voted for.”
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