COLUMBUS, Ohio - In a display of bipartisan unity, the Ohio House of Representatives is standing firm in its commitment to follow the will of the voters as Ohio Senate Republicans seek to make significant changes to the state's recreational marijuana policy.

Under the current law set to take effect on Thursday, adults aged 21 and older in Ohio will have the right to consume and cultivate up to six marijuana plants. This change comes after the passage of Issue 2 in November, which received a 57-43% majority in favor of the new statute.

State Representative Jamie Callender, a vocal supporter of marijuana policy reform, has been diligently working on the implementation of recreational marijuana regulations for several years. In a recent "skeleton" session, Callender introduced House Bill 354, emphasizing the importance of preserving the voters' decision.

"Our priority is to honor what the people have voted on," Callender explained after introducing the bill. He was joined by State Representative Jay Edwards, who serves as the Finance Chair. The proposed legislation seeks to provide additional safeguards, such as guidelines for advertising, public smoking bans, and increased authority for local governments in determining tax revenue allocation. It also specifies that homegrown marijuana must be cultivated in residential addresses to prevent excessive aggregation.

While Callender's bill has gained bipartisan support in the House, it sharply contrasts with the more conservative version proposed by State Senator Rob McColley. The Senate's proposal includes provisions to prevent children's exposure to marijuana, including stricter guidelines for packaging and advertising. It also reduces the allowable possession limits, imposes limitations on THC levels in plants and extracts, and raises the tax rate from 10% to 15%.

One prominent point of contention between the two chambers is the elimination of home cultivation in the Senate's proposal. McColley defended this decision by expressing concerns about illicit marijuana sales stemming from homegrown products. However, Callender argued that Ohio voters clearly expressed their desire for home cultivation when they voted in favor of Issue 2.

The brewing disagreement between the House and Senate has sparked frustration among numerous Republican and Democratic representatives. State Representative Jeff LaRe, whose legislation on micro-distilleries was unexpectedly merged with the marijuana proposal in the Senate, described the move as a "slap in the face of Ohio voters." While LaRe does not personally support recreational marijuana, he maintains respect for the voters' decision and believes the Senate's actions are an overreach.

House Minority Whip State Representative Jessica Miranda echoed LaRe's sentiments, stating that she cannot support the Senate version of the bill as it goes against the will of the Ohio voters who overwhelmingly passed Issue 2.

As the two chambers work towards a compromise, Callender remains optimistic, citing the House's ability to block the Senate version if necessary. If an agreement cannot be reached, Callender expressed confidence in the rule-making process and the Ohio Department of Commerce's ability to enact effective regulations.

The Senate is expected to pass the marijuana bill out of committee on Wednesday morning, with a full vote scheduled for later in the day. Simultaneously, the House version will also be heard on Wednesday, underscoring the intensity of the debate surrounding Ohio's recreational marijuana regulations.

This ongoing conflict highlights the tension between the Senate's proposed changes and the House's commitment to honoring the voters' decision. The ultimate outcome remains uncertain, but it is evident that Ohio's legislators are grappling with the complexities of marijuana policy reform while striving to represent the interests of their constituents.