Afroman reacts to legalized marijuana in Ohio: 'I'm a law-abiding citizen now'

Afroman has a reason to celebrate now that Issue 2 has passed in Ohio.

The rapper, Adams County resident and marijuana enthusiast said the vote Tuesday night to legalize recreational cannabis for adults was "a beautiful thing."

"I'm happy about that," the artist, known for his stoner anthem "Because I Got High," told The Enquirer on Wednesday. "Hopefully less people get raided over vape pens and THC products. I hope my life and my situation was a piece of wood in that fire."

Afroman's Winchester, Ohio, home was raided by Adams County sheriff's deputies last year. Deputies seized thousands of dollars of cash from the rapper's home, believing the money was connected to drug trafficking. No charges were filed against Afroman and the money was later returned to him.

Afroman criticized the deputies in his music and used their images ‒ captured by home security footage – in music videos, resulting in a lawsuit. The suit claims the deputies suffered embarrassment and death threats as a result, and are entitled to compensation.

"I just know that, as a Black person, a hateful cop will use marijuana as a tool to do whatever he can to me," Afroman said. "So, by this being legal, that's one less tool for a hater."

"I think that's the only thing I did that somewhat broke the law in some states," he continued. "If you take that away, I am no longer a criminal. I'm a law-abiding citizen now, and I'm happy about that."

Afroman said he doesn't plan on opening his own marijuana dispensary because of tax rates, but he didn't rule out the idea. Under the measure, adults 21 and older will be able to buy, grow and possess marijuana. Products will be taxed 10% on top of the state sales tax, and more than one-third of the revenue will go toward the measure's social equity program.

The Buckeye State is the 24th to legalize recreational marijuana. The measure goes into effect Dec. 7, but it could take up to nine months for the state to issue the first round of licenses to marijuana growers, processors and dispensaries.

"They should've been making this money a long time ago," Afroman said.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 'Because I Got High' rapper Afroman reacts to legalized weed in Ohio