Vote

As we near the end of the 2023 General Election process, many of our members are asking for more information about state Issue 2, which would legalize certain aspects of the recreational use and cultivation of marijuana. As you head to the polls or submit your absentee ballot to be counted, here is additional information about Issue 2, and why Ohio Farm Bureau encourages members to vote “no” on legalizing recreational marijuana on Nov. 7.

What is Issue 2?
Issue 2 would authorize and regulate the cultivation, processing, sale, purchase, possession, home growth, and use of recreational marijuana by adults over the age of 21.

What is Ohio Farm Bureau’s position on Issue 2?
Ohio Farm Bureau is opposed to Issue 2. This decision, made by the Ohio Farm Bureau Board of Trustees, falls directly in line with the policies created through our organization’s grassroots process.

What are the concerns about Issue 2 for the agricultural community?
Maintaining a healthy, strong, and vibrant workforce is a top priority for Ohio Farm Bureau as our members grow food, fiber, and fuel for the world and contribute billions of dollars to our state’s economy.

The passage of Issue 2 would jeopardize not only the safety of farm and food workers, but the ability to keep employees on the payroll and fill the thousands of positions still needed to keep Ohio’s #1 industry moving in the right direction.

What are the concerns about Issue 2 for the business community?
Many groups who oppose Issue 2 worry about the impact on employers and how they will develop workplace safety policies and procedures to protect their employees and businesses.

Marijuana use in the workplace has been linked to an increase in occupational accidents and injuries due to short-term effects of the drug, such as memory issues, impaired sense of timing, decreased reaction time, altered problem-solving capabilities, changes in sensory perception and impaired body movements. Although employers will still have the ability to maintain a drug-free work policy, legalized recreational marijuana still creates concerns for Ohio’s workforce due to the influence of recreational marijuana such as increased absenteeism, decreased productivity, and negative impacts on workplace safety.

What happens if Issue 2 passes?

  • It would allow adults age 21 and older to buy and possess 2.5 ounces of cannabis and 15 grams of concentrates.
  • It would allow Ohioans age 21 and older to grow up to six plants individually and no more than 12 in a household with multiple adults. Adult users could transfer up to 6 plants to another adult user, but cannot accept any payment for such transfer and such transfer is not advertised to the public.
  • Dispensaries would be allowed to sell a wide range of products: flower, seeds, edibles, vapes, tinctures, oils, beverages, pills and lotions, among others. Ohioans could petition state regulators to allow the sale of another form of cannabis not outlined in the proposed law.
  • Issue 2 would tax products at 10%, with revenue going toward administrative costs, addiction treatment programs, municipalities with dispensaries, and a social equity and jobs program.
  • The Division of Cannabis Control within the Department of Commerce would set rules for licensing, testing, product standards, investigations and more. As part of that, the division would set a THC content cap of at least 35% for plant material and 90% for extracts.
  • Like the medical marijuana program, Ohio would offer three different licenses: cultivator (growers), processor (businesses that turn cannabis into edibles, etc.) and dispensaries.
  • Landlords can prohibit home growth activities so long as the prohibition is in the applicable lease agreement.
  • Public and private employers will be able to develop their own policies for marijuana, such as rules around drug testing and use while on the job.
  • If Issue 2 passes in Ohio, recreational marijuana would still remain illegal federally as a schedule I drug.

To review how Issue 2 will appear on your ballot, you can select your county here and view your sample ballot.

New and beginning farmers
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Greg McGlinch's avatar
Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
Nathan and Jill Parriman's avatar
Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
Wyatt Morrow's avatar
Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Select Partner Program
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Advocacy
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

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