This week, legislation was formally introduced to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in Ohio. House Bill 382 includes four key components: decriminalization; a marijuana excise tax; commerce and licensing; and medical marijuana. Meanwhile, another effort to legalize recreational use of marijuana in Ohio was rejected by Attorney General Dave Yost. A group called the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol is trying to circulate a statewide initiative to ask the General Assembly to approve legalization — or, if lawmakers say no, give backers the option to try to place the measure on the ballot. The National Safety Council reports that studies show employees who tested positive for marijuana had 55% more industrial accidents, 85% more injuries, and 75% greater absenteeism compared to those who tested negative. 8/5/2021