Robert Celt
New Member
A majority of Ohio voters rejected a proposed constitutional amendment last November that would have legalized marijuana for both recreational and medical users.
Most believed it simply went too far too fast. But the legalization battle is far from over. Voters may soon be asked again if it's time to lift the ban on pot.
The Washington, D.C.-based Marijuana Policy Project is working through Ohioans for Medical Marijuana to put another constitutional amendment on the ballot this fall.
The group has already submitted ballot language, which, if approved, will give supporters until July 6 to get 305,591 signatures needed to make the general election ballot.
That hurdle shouldn't be difficult. The latest proposal would seem more in line with what Ohioans are willing to accept, and the timing may be better.
A Public Policy Polling survey released last month found about three out of four Ohioans believe access to marijuana for certain medical conditions should be a constitutional right.
The proposal is similar to medical marijuana bills that have passed in other states.
Ohio's would establish a system where people with a "debilitating medical condition," like cancer, glaucoma, or multiple sclerosis, could apply for a medical marijuana ID card that allows them to buy and possess the drug. A new state would license businesses to grow, process, test, distribute, and sell marijuana, and sales tax would be applied.
License fees and taxes would pay for the program's administrative costs, and be distributed on a per capita basis to county, municipal, township, and other governments, and schools.
Medical cardholders could grow as many as six plants for their personal use, and up to 15 large growsites would supply medical marijuana to dispensaries, where medical marijuana and related products would be sold. The number of dispensaries isn't limited, but local governments could pass legislation to prohibit them from opening in a community, if voters approve.
The proposal takes a free-market approach to the production of medical marijuana, which should help it avoid much of the public opposition to last year's issue. Some believed it would have created a monopoly, since a fixed number of investors would have profited.
The proposal is a much better fit for Ohio than complete legalization, which only four states have approved. But it may still be a tough pill for some to swallow.
The Legislature has always had the power to decriminalize or legalize marijuana and retains the upper hand on the matter. Lawmakers have held a series of exploratory meetings this winter on the topic, but haven't stated publicly how, or if, they plan to proceed.
If lawmakers want to be proactive, they would look to the 23 states with medical pot laws for best practices and craft a bill that would best serve Ohio's needs.
That seems unlikely, however. Voters should be prepared to make the call in November.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Ohio: Medical Pot
Author: The Courier
Photo Credit: None found
Website: The Courier
Most believed it simply went too far too fast. But the legalization battle is far from over. Voters may soon be asked again if it's time to lift the ban on pot.
The Washington, D.C.-based Marijuana Policy Project is working through Ohioans for Medical Marijuana to put another constitutional amendment on the ballot this fall.
The group has already submitted ballot language, which, if approved, will give supporters until July 6 to get 305,591 signatures needed to make the general election ballot.
That hurdle shouldn't be difficult. The latest proposal would seem more in line with what Ohioans are willing to accept, and the timing may be better.
A Public Policy Polling survey released last month found about three out of four Ohioans believe access to marijuana for certain medical conditions should be a constitutional right.
The proposal is similar to medical marijuana bills that have passed in other states.
Ohio's would establish a system where people with a "debilitating medical condition," like cancer, glaucoma, or multiple sclerosis, could apply for a medical marijuana ID card that allows them to buy and possess the drug. A new state would license businesses to grow, process, test, distribute, and sell marijuana, and sales tax would be applied.
License fees and taxes would pay for the program's administrative costs, and be distributed on a per capita basis to county, municipal, township, and other governments, and schools.
Medical cardholders could grow as many as six plants for their personal use, and up to 15 large growsites would supply medical marijuana to dispensaries, where medical marijuana and related products would be sold. The number of dispensaries isn't limited, but local governments could pass legislation to prohibit them from opening in a community, if voters approve.
The proposal takes a free-market approach to the production of medical marijuana, which should help it avoid much of the public opposition to last year's issue. Some believed it would have created a monopoly, since a fixed number of investors would have profited.
The proposal is a much better fit for Ohio than complete legalization, which only four states have approved. But it may still be a tough pill for some to swallow.
The Legislature has always had the power to decriminalize or legalize marijuana and retains the upper hand on the matter. Lawmakers have held a series of exploratory meetings this winter on the topic, but haven't stated publicly how, or if, they plan to proceed.
If lawmakers want to be proactive, they would look to the 23 states with medical pot laws for best practices and craft a bill that would best serve Ohio's needs.
That seems unlikely, however. Voters should be prepared to make the call in November.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Ohio: Medical Pot
Author: The Courier
Photo Credit: None found
Website: The Courier
