Ohio to Vote on Legalizing Marijuana [This November]
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/
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
(11,514 posts)Who will show up the yes or no people?
Eric J in MN
(35,619 posts)I hope it passes, anyway.
Springslips
(533 posts)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
(44,173 posts)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
(12,223 posts)Auggie
(31,207 posts)tapermaker
(244 posts)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
(33,036 posts)The SOS Husted, is a hard right drone had to approve it for the ballot. He must have choked.
msongs
(67,462 posts)Comrade Grumpy
(13,184 posts)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
(9,958 posts)Four months to grow, six months to smoke; I'm good.
(Wasn't there a spliff-smoking smilie?)
Comrade Grumpy
(13,184 posts)shanti
(21,675 posts)that has a de facto ban on growing it. :/
Comrade Grumpy
(13,184 posts)And if you are stuck in one of them, it's time for some local politics.
billhicks76
(5,082 posts)10 growers but unlimited dispensaries??? Anyone should be able to participate in the industry production not just 10 millionaires.
Comrade Grumpy
(13,184 posts)Baclava
(12,047 posts)Springslips
(533 posts)Upvoting system like 11W has; I'd upvote that.