Rotunda Rumblings
In the weeds: Ohio’s top cannabis regulator anticipates there could be up to 250 to 300 marijuana dispensaries selling product for adult-use by September 2026. Laura Hancock reports that James Canepa, superintendent of the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control, based his estimate on language the law voters approved in November to legalize recreational marijuana for those 21 and older. Existing medical dispensaries and cultivators likely would be the first sell recreational marijuana, with another 50 licenses for new dispensaries in the offing as well.
Facial treatment: The Ohio attorney general’s office use of facial-recognition software, which was fairly recently on hold amid civil-liberties concerns, may now continue through at least 2025 with the help of a company that’s been repeatedly sued over claims it collects people’s online photos without their consent. Jeremy Pelzer has the details on the new contract the AG’s office has signed with Clearview AI, what state investigators are able to do with the technology, and what safeguards are in the agreement regarding Ohioans’ photos.
Vote early vote often: Early voting for the March 19 primary election has begun, per Andrew Tobias. Click here for more details, including early voting hours. Elections officials in Cuyahoga County say they