GiaQuinta comments on Ohio’s vote to legalize marijuana

Tuesday, Nov. 7, Ohioans voted in favor of Issue 2,  which prompts a law to legalize, regulate and tax adult-use marijuana products. Product sales will be taxed at 10% on top of existing state and county sales tax, which will generate several hundred million dollars in revenue. The revenue will increase funding for jobs, municipalities and drug treatment and prevention in at-risk communities. 

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement: 

“A growing number of Hoosiers are crossing the Illinois and Michigan border to buy marijuana. With today's vote by Ohioans, Hoosiers will soon visit Ohio to buy it as well. Indiana is missing out on jobs, tax revenue and economic development. How will Hoosier growers and small businesses compete in this growing market if Indiana does not legalize cannabis soon?  

“In 2022, Michigan collected $325 million from marijuana sales, which they’ve used to fund roads and public education. By not legalizing marijuana, we’re paying for Michigan's public schools and roads when we could be funding our own. Let's get with the 85% of Hoosiers who support legalizing recreational or medical marijuana and jumpstart this economic development opportunity for our state.”