OMA Hosts Briefing on Marijuana Legalization

The OMA this week hosted an online briefing to address members’ concerns regarding Ohio’s recreational marijuana law, approved by voters in early November. The new law, which is subject to change due to anticipated action by state lawmakers, takes effect Thursday, Dec. 7.

Members can access this recorded version of the briefing (password is !LmF3kTH). Also, read this summary of the law by Bricker Graydon, the OMA’s general counsel, which emphasized that employers are not required to permit marijuana use, possession, or distribution on the job.

Guest presenters included attorneys Theresa Nelson and Bill Creedon from Bricker Graydon; Allison Sharer from OMA Connections Partner Working Partners; and Sen. Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario), who provided insights into possible modifications of the new law.

Sen. Romanchuk said legislative leaders are expected to soon unveil draft language that would amend the Issue 2 language. The OMA’s Public Policy Services team continues to work with legal experts and lawmakers to safeguard employer protections. Watch for updates from the OMA concerning this development. 11/30/2023