Democratic State Representative Bob Hagan is proposing Ohio voters decide whether to legalize marijuana and tax it like alcohol. Hagan says the revenue generated by a 15-percent state excise tax could help restore cuts to public education and local government. He modeled his proposal on Colorado's recently passed Amendment 64 that will allow adults 21 and older to legally purchase, cultivate and use cannabis recreationally. Sales establishments would be licensed and registered with the state. Hagan also reintroduced legislation decriminalizing medical marijuana. Hagan says he's proposed similar legislation before that lawmakers have rejected, but recent polls show time is on his side.
Hagan says he hopes the bills will spark a discussion in the legislature. The bills lack support from majority Republicans.