Mary Alice Reporting –
Members of the Ohio House Finance Committee have been hearing testimony on HB 354 and a member of Empower Tusc spoke on Tuesday.
The second committee hearing relates to legislation to modify adult use of marijuana and levying a tax on cultivators. This is following the passage of Issue 2 in November, which made using recreational cannabis legal.
Representing Empower Tusc, Jodi Salvo highlighted three critical areas.
“Number one would be to direct cannabis tax revenues to funding prevention education and community coalitions in Ohio, the reduction of the proposed 90% THC limit, and also tax revenue consideration for robust data collection around this issue.”
Under prevention education, Salvo suggested directing funding to enhance local infrastructure such as at county Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Boards and to Mental Health and Recovery Services (MHRS) Boards.
As part of the THC limit urging, Salvo noted that high limits have been associated with adverse outcomes, including increased mental health issues, suicide rates, and escalated healthcare costs.
“Before establishing THC limits, we recommend seeking input from experts well-versed in research on high THC levels and their impacts on mental health and addiction. A cautious approach to THC limits, guided by evidence-based considerations, will prioritize the well-being of our communities, especially our youth.”
As part of the data collection, she said there should be prioritized numbers on youth use, perceptions of harm, emergency room visits, addiction instances, drug-related driving impairments, and educational outcomes.
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