STRUTHERS, Ohio [WKBN]- The vocal pleas of mayors and township trustees in communities with marijuana dispensaries worked. They’ll be getting the tax money they were promised.
Included in the state budget passed Wednesday by the Ohio Legislature was a 36% cut of all tax money from marijuana sales going to the communities where dispensaries are located. It’s what the people voted on, and it’s what the people will get.
When Struthers City Council voted to allow the Green Leaf Therapy and Cannabis Dispensary to open in downtown, they did so believing that 36% of the tax revenue from the dispensary would go to the city.
“I know Green Leaf is doing very well in downtown Struthers. We’re seeing a lot of traffic down there,” said Mayor Cat Miller.
Miller is planning on Green Leaf’s success to translate into additional tax money for the city now that the Ohio Legislature has agreed to keep the community’s share of marijuana tax revenue at 36% as was passed by voters two years ago.
“We are really thrilled that’s how it ended up happening because in the beginning, we didn’t think that was fair because that’s what was voted on and that’s what we feel should have been carried out, so we are really excited,” Miller said.
Mahoning County Republican Tex Fischer was one of the state representatives who lobbied his colleagues to keep the full 36%. Fischer was even among those at a news conference three weeks ago, where mayors and township trustees urged the state legislators not to change anything.
“I’m really grateful we were able to resolve that issue,” Fischer said. “I think that was an issue that brought both parties together in the legislature. I there there’s definitely interest to make sure these local dollars stay in local hands.”
“We appreciate these state legislators listening to the people,” Santos said. “Whether you agree with what was on the ballot, the language was very clear, and the individuals went out there and voted — that was part of the language, and it’s important that we actually do what the residents want us to do after all.”
There are seven marijuana dispensaries around Youngstown, and none of the communities where they’re located have yet to receive any of the tax money. State Representative Tex Fischer said a timeline is still to be determined.
