COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The Ohio House rejected Gov. Mike DeWine’s plan to double marijuana sales taxes in its proposed budget, adopted April 1.
DeWine had proposed doubling Ohio‘s excise tax on recreational marijuana from 10% to 20%. Despite another bill weighing changes to marijuana legislation in the House, Ohio Representatives removed DeWine’s proposed tax changes. Nearly 60% of Ohioans voted in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana, and lawmakers have faced criticism for moving to alter voter-approved marijuana laws.
DeWine had suggested the added 10% tax would support a new fund distributing revenue to six agencies: Health, Commerce, Public Safety, Behavioral Health, Tax and the Attorney General’s office. It would have generated a projected $87 million in fiscal year 2026 and $176 million in 2027.
The Department of Taxation had been in favor of the increase, saying the funds could have supported the 988 suicide hotline, jail construction and court costs for expunging marijuana possession offenses that are still on Ohioans’ records.
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