Ohio to Vote on Legalizing Marijuana [This November]

[Comrade Grumpy]

Source: USA Today

CINCINNATI — Ohio voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to legalize marijuana with a constitutional amendment to institute a revolutionary proposal that backers say will create a billion-dollar industry in the next four years.

Secretary of State Jon Husted said Wednesday the private investor group ResponsibleOhio had collected 320,267 signatures of registered voters, 14,676 more than necessary to qualify for the general-election ballot. ResponsibleOhio has spent more than $2 million since March on the petition drive to put its proposed amendment before voters.

After Husted certified the petition result, Ian James, the group's executive director, issued a statement:

"It's time for marijuana legalization in Ohio, and voters will have the opportunity to make it happen this November — we couldn't be more excited. ... By reforming marijuana laws in November, we'll provide compassionate care to sick Ohioans, bring money back to our local communities and establish a new industry with limitless economic development opportunities."

<that's the whole article>

Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/08/12/ohio-vote-legalizing-marijuana/31558749/

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This is a controversial initiative from Responsible Ohio.

It would create a "monopoly" of 10 licensed commercial growers. They have already bought in, and the campaign will use that money to try to sell the initiative to voters.

It would also create marijuana processing facilities and retail outlets, which are open to all.

It would also allow Ohioans to possess and grow small amounts of marijuana on their own.

Support for generic marijuana legalization was at 53% in the most recent Ohio poll.

[marlakay]

1. The question is on off election year

Who will show up the yes or no people?

[Eric J in MN]

3. It would have a better chance of passing in a presidential year. More young people vote then.

I hope it passes, anyway.

[Springslips]

17. There will be two votes: one this year; one in 2016.

What is the dif? Well that will highlight why I am against the 15 inititive. This years would give only a few businesses--the group sponsoring the referendum-- the right to grow and sell MJ, but bar everyone else; it would put in the State Constitution a legal cartel, something that was done with gambling. The 16 inititive will legalize MJ for anyone wishing to go into the business, with rational regulation of course. The 15 vote will be voided anyways, as the GOP legislature will pass a admendment already in conference that makes it unconstitional to create legal cartells via constitutional referendum. I'll still vote for it though, knowing the 2016 vote will override both the intitive and/or the State Legislature.

So rejource libs! There will be a MJ vote in Ohio 2016!

[bluestateguy]

2. I don't like odd year elections

All the fucking white suburbanites with small children will show up in droves, and curmudgeonly old farts who are against anyone having fun.

[C Moon]

4. Plus, I'm sure the alcohol companies will be dumping hoards of cash into opposing the law.

[Auggie]

5. Distributors and wholesalers especially

[tapermaker]

6. stupid move

As much money and manpower going to gop efforts to win ohio in the pres. election ,it makes more sense for the dems to put it on the ballot then .

[irisblue]

8. Independent group, not Dems brought it in.

The SOS Husted, is a hard right drone had to approve it for the ballot. He must have choked.

[msongs]

7. vote no on corporate monopolies that will strangle freedom of use nt

[Comrade Grumpy]

9. I hear that. I also hear people saying it's basically the same in a lot of medical marijuana states.

There are limitations on the number of dispensaries in most states.

Supporters of this thing also say people can grow their own, there will opportunities to get in the industry in processing and retail sales.

I'm torn, but if I were an Ohioan, I think I would vote to legalize marijuana.

[OnyxCollie]

10. If I can grow three plants, I don't need to buy.

Four months to grow, six months to smoke; I'm good.

(Wasn't there a spliff-smoking smilie?)

[Comrade Grumpy]

11. That's what I do here in Northern California. I haven't bought pot in years.

[shanti]

13. unless you live in a city

that has a de facto ban on growing it. :/

[Comrade Grumpy]

15. I try to avoid those places.

And if you are stuck in one of them, it's time for some local politics.

[billhicks76]

12. Its A BS Oligopoly Amendment

10 growers but unlimited dispensaries??? Anyone should be able to participate in the industry production not just 10 millionaires.

[Comrade Grumpy]

16. We'll see if Ohio voters go for it. They approved a monopoly casino initiative a few years ago.

[Baclava]

14. Go Buckeyes!

[Springslips]

18. I wish DU had a

Upvoting system like 11W has; I'd upvote that.