Ohio Issue 2, Marijuana Legalization Initiative
Recreational Marijuana Legalization: Weighing Arguments and My 'No' Vote
Ohio voters will decide on not one - but two important issues on November 7. Along with Issue 1, an initiated constitutional amendment to provide for a state constitutional right to "make and carry out one’s own reproductive decisions," including abortion, Ohio voters will also decide on Issue 2, the Marijuana Legalization Initiative.
Unlike Issue 1, which seeks to amend Ohio’s Constitution, Issue 2 is an indirect initiated state statute. If the initiative receives voter approval, Ohio will become the 24th state to legalize recreational and personal use of marijuana. The use of medical marijuana was legalized in 2016 when Governor John Kasich (R) signed House Bill 523 into law.
What is an indirect initiated statute?
An indirect initiated state statute is a citizen-initiated proposal to change state laws. Nine states permit citizens to initiate these types of statutes.
In contrast to a direct initiative, where supporters gather enough signatures to place a proposal directly on the ballot, an indirect initiative is initially presented to the state legislature. The legislators are given a specific timeframe, which varies by state, to either pass the proposed law or reject it. If they do nothing or reject it, the initiative is then placed on the ballot for voters to make the final decision.
A "yes" vote supports this ballot initiative to legalize marijuana in Ohio, including:
allowing the sale and purchase of marijuana, which a new Division of Cannabis Control would regulate;
allowing persons who are at least 21 years old to use and possess marijuana, including up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana; and
enacting a 10% tax on marijuana sales.
A "no" vote opposes this initiative to legalize marijuana in Ohio.
Source: BallotPedia
See the Full Text of the Initiative.
What are the Implication of Issue 2?
Ohio Issue 2 seeks to legalize and regulate recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and above.
The initiative covers cultivation, processing, sale, purchase, possession, and home growth of marijuana.
If approved, adults could possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and up to 15 grams of marijuana concentrates.
Individuals would also be allowed to grow up to six marijuana plants at home, with households permitted to cultivate up to 12 plants collectively.
The Division of Cannabis Control, established by the initiative, would oversee the regulation and licensing of marijuana operators and facilities.
This division would ensure compliance and standardization within the marijuana industry in Ohio.
Marijuana sales under Issue 2 would be subject to a 10% tax, with the revenue dedicated to creating a cannabis social equity and jobs program. This program seeks to provide financial support and assistance for license applications, particularly to individuals who have been disproportionately affected by past marijuana-related law enforcement.
Who are the Supporters of the Initiative?
The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol is spearheading the campaign in favor of the ballot initiative. This includes backing from U.S. Rep. David Joyce (R), as well as corporations including Battle Green Holdings, LLC, Cresco Labs Ohio, LLC, and The Firelands Company, LLC. The Marijuana Policy Project has also thrown their support behind Issue 2.
"We are proposing to regulate marijuana for adult use, just like we do for alcohol. Our proposal fixes a broken system while ensuring local control, keeping marijuana out of the hands of children, and benefiting everyone."
- Tom Haren, spokesperson for the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol
Proponents of Issue 2 argue its potential economic benefits, with expectations of generating over $400 million in annual revenue. They point to an Ohio State University study that estimates significant tax revenue, comparing it favorably to taxes from alcoholic beverages. Additionally, they argue that Issue 2 addresses the shortcomings of the current marijuana policy by ending harsh penalties for minor offenses, allowing law enforcement to focus on more serious crimes, and creating a regulated, safe legal marijuana market that will reduce the black market.
1. Generate Tax Revenue: Adult-use marijuana sales will be taxed at 10%, generating millions in annual revenue for public safety, road improvements, drug treatment, and support for impacted communities.
2. Remedy Marijuana Policy: This measure ends harsh punishments for minor marijuana offenses, allowing law enforcement to focus on serious crimes.
3. Expand Medical Access: Issue 2 provides easier access to medical marijuana for seriously ill patients, including veterans and cancer patients, who rely on it for pain relief.
4. Age Restriction: Buyers must be 21 or older; businesses cannot market to minors or sell to them.
5. Government Oversight: Experienced state regulators will oversee production, testing, and sales.
6. End Black Market: Legalizing marijuana will establish a regulated market, reducing the black market.
7. Preserve Local Control: Communities can decide whether to allow dispensaries.
Vote Yes on Issue 2 to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol
Who are the Opponents of the Initiative?
The campaign against Issue 2 is being spearheaded by Protect Ohio Workers and Families and Officials opposing the measure include Governor Mike DeWine, State Senators Terry Johnson (R) and Mark J. Romanchuk (R), and State Representative Bill Seitz (R). Additionally, several organizations like the Center for Christian Virtue, Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, Ohio Children's Hospital Association, Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association, Ohio Sheriffs' Association, Ohio Veterans United, Smart Approaches to Marijuana, and Veterans Court Watch have voiced their opposition to Issue 2.
"We know that recreational marijuana legalization is meant to make a few investors rich, not to make Ohio better. Legalizing recreational marijuana is today’s version of Big Tobacco - big corporations getting rich at the expense of our kids and society. That’s why people from all walks of life are coming together to vote 'NO' this November.”
- Protect Ohio Workers and Families
Opponents argue that Issue 2 prioritizes profits over people, legalizing a for-profit addiction industry, endangering Ohio families, and posing health risks, especially to children. Opponents argue that the societal costs far outweigh the meager 10% tax benefit. Many experts and community leaders oppose Issue 2, which resembles Big Tobacco's commercialization. They argue that more research and a better plan are needed.
Prioritizes profit over Ohio's well-being.
Increases marijuana availability like California and Colorado.
Exposes kids to marijuana in appealing forms.
Encourages recreational drug use with harmful side effects.
Raises the risk of impaired driving.
Heightens workplace risks and employer liability.
Promotes "home grow" with safety concerns.
Threatens Ohio's medical marijuana program.
Vote NO on Issue 2: Don’t buy it Ohio
Protect Ohio Workers and Families have cited three main reasons to reject Issue 2 based upon the risk and harm it poses to health, safety, and business.
Reject Issue 2 For Reasons of Health:
Ohio's Children's Hospitals and pediatricians oppose Issue 2, believing it will harm children.
CDC warns that using marijuana during pregnancy can lead to lower birth weight and abnormal neurological development.
A Harvard study reveals that children of marijuana users exhibit impulsivity, hyperactivity, behavioral issues, lower IQ scores, and memory problems compared to children of non-users.
Secondhand marijuana smoke contains toxic and cancer-causing chemicals similar to tobacco smoke.
Kids and adolescents are impressionable, and if they witness adult marijuana use, they might perceive it as acceptable, despite their underdeveloped decision-making brain functions.
Big Marijuana, like Big Tobacco, is criticized for profiting from addiction. A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services study indicates up to thirty percent of marijuana users may become addicted.
Reject Issue 2 for Reasons of Safety:
Issue 2 is seen as a program benefiting drug dealers, allowing convicted ones to own and invest in marijuana businesses while receiving special preference and funding support.
Critics argue against granting such privileges to individuals with prior drug-related convictions.
Legalizing marijuana can pose workplace safety risks, as seen in Colorado, where accidents have increased along with difficulties in employee recruitment and retention.
Concerns exist about having impaired colleagues in Ohio workplaces.
Issue 2's funding allocation towards lobbying and political activities could potentially weaken law enforcement by advocating for reduced bail, parole, and probation regulations, reminiscent of the Defund the Police movement.
While many believe that nobody should be jailed for using marijuana, this proposal is viewed as a threat to overall public safety.
WHAT’S AT STAKE: WORKER SAFETY Legalizing Marijuana for Recreational Use Makes Our Workplaces Unsafe
Reject Issue 2 for Reasons of Business:
Issue 2 is a scheme favoring a select group of profit-driven investors seeking to manipulate Ohio's laws for their own benefit. See Meet the “Pot Profiteers”
This initiative would grant a limited number of companies exclusive rights to sell marijuana while restricting others from entering the marijuana business.
According to estimates from researchers at The Ohio State University, these stores could generate up to $4 billion in sales, attracting eager investors looking to dominate the market.
Critics argue that pursuing legal marijuana may not be in Ohio's best interest, as it appears the proponents of Issue 2 prioritize personal financial gain over the state's well-being.
Concerns center around risking the welfare of children, the state's economy, and its overall security to benefit a privileged few.
Why I’m Voting NO on Issue 2
Learning from the Lessons of Marijuana Legalization in Other States
I think we should consider learning from the lessons of marijuana legalization in other states to observe the negative impact it has had on their youth, crime rates, driving-related injuries and fatalities, and the workplace.
Negative Impacts on Youth
Colorado, the first state to legalize recreational marijuana, has the highest rate of first-time youth marijuana use in the nation (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services data).
Young adult marijuana use is increasing, particularly in states where it's legal.
The number of marijuana-related emergency room visits by Colorado teenagers has been rising since legalization.
Uptick in Driving-Related Fatalities and Injuries
Marijuana-impaired driving fatalities have more than doubled in Colorado and Washington State.
The prevalence of drivers under the influence of marijuana has increased to one in five in Washington State, compared to one in ten before legalization.
In 2016, a Colorado study showed that 73 percent of 4,000 tested drivers had marijuana in their system.
According to AAA, fatalities among recent marijuana users have doubled since marijuana legalization in Washington State.
Rising Crime Rates, Including Drug Offenses
Colorado's crime rate has increased 11 times faster than the national average since marijuana legalization, with a reported 8.3% rise in property crimes and an 18.6% increase in violent crimes.
Despite recreational legalization, African Americans are still twice as likely to be arrested for marijuana-related offenses in both Colorado and Washington.
In 2016, Colorado law enforcement confiscated 7,116 pounds of marijuana, made 252 felony arrests, and intercepted 346 instances of marijuana heading to 36 different U.S. states.
A leaked police report in Oregon revealed that about 70% of marijuana sales in 2016 occurred on the black market, with three to five times more marijuana leaving the state for illegal sales compared to consumption within Oregon.
Increase in Number of Individuals Impaired on the Job
Workplace marijuana positivity rates have increased in legalized states, posing risks to employers, employees, and the public.
As of 2018, positivity rates have risen by 48% in Nevada, 14% in Massachusetts, and 11% in California.
In the general workforce, marijuana positivity increased by 4% in 2017, while in the safety-sensitive workforce, it increased nearly 8%.
Conclusion
My reasons to cast a NO vote on Issue 2 are driven by concerns for Ohio's children and the state's overall well-being. Recreational marijuana legalization, as proposed, poses risks to children due to potential health impacts, the negative influence of adult use, and the addictive nature of marijuana. Additionally, Issue 2 creates a benefit to drug dealers by allowing their involvement in the marijuana industry and prioritizing profit over public safety. If Issue 2 passes, it could lead to workplace safety concerns and funding activities that weaken law enforcement efforts. Issue 2 is designed to favor a select few investors, enriching them at the expense of Ohio's interests. We need to prioritize the welfare of Ohio's children, the state's economy, and overall safety over the interests of a few.
While I acknowledge that there are numerous aspects of our state's marijuana use laws that require reform, I do not believe that passing Issue 2 is the solution. My arguments are largely rooted in the research conducted on states who have already legalized marijuana and who are now grappling with economic, social, and moral consequences as a result. If we are willing to look at the experiences of the states who have legalized marijuana, we will find, as C.S. Lewis states that "Experience is a brutal teacher, but you learn. My god, do you learn." Are we willing to gather insights from the states that have adopted marijuana legalization, or are we leaning towards the challenging route of learning solely from our own experiences?
For information on Issue 1, view Drinking From a Fire Hose! A Comprehensive Guide to Voting 'NO' on Issue 1
Reminder: Early Voting Starts Today, Wednesday, October 11!
Sincerely,
Jess Franz, ORPSCC5
Jessfranz2022@gmail.com
Isaiah 26:3