Ohio’s newly passed recreational marijuana program faces an uncertain future, caught between administrative rulemaking and political gridlock.
House Speaker Jason Stephens (R) is blocking legislative changes while his counterpart on the issue, Rep. Jamie Callender (R), predicts most adjustments will be implemented through administrative rules by this September.
Callender, the House’s lead negotiator on marijuana reform, anticipates the Ohio Department of Commerce’s proposed rules will address concerns raised by Gov. Mike DeWine and Senate President Matt Huffman, including prohibiting minor sales and banning marijuana advertising.
DeWine, speaking with reporters Monday, reiterated that he wants state lawmakers to pass legislation restricting sales of delta-8 products to minors. He also renewed his plea to lawmakers to immediately allow recreational …