Ohio marijuana legalization initiative qualifies for November 2015 ballot

[jct74]

Marijuana legalization amendment approved for Ohio's November ballot

By Jackie Borchardt
August 12, 2015 at 4:06 PM

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio voters will decide this fall whether to legalize marijuana in the Buckeye State for recreational and medical use.

ResponsibleOhio's marijuana legalization constitutional amendment was certified Wednesday by the Ohio secretary of state. It will appear as Issue 3 on the statewide ballot for the general election on Nov. 3.

If approved by voters, Ohio would be the fifth state to legalize marijuana for recreational use and the first to do so without first having a medical marijuana program.

"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," ResponsibleOhio Executive Director Ian James said in a statement. "Drug dealers don't care about doing what's best for our state and its citizens. 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."

...

read more:
http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2015/08/marijuana_legalization_amendme.html


more details here:
http://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2015/08/12/update-ohio-vote-pot-year/31469407/


--


Issue 3 - Ohio marijuana legalization initiative


Learn more and follow the latest news from ResponsibleOhio:

website: http://yeson3ohio.com/
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ResponsibleOH
twitter: https://twitter.com/ResponsibleOH
youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCELGVEHtPvBfJ7_ksyxiOgA/videos


Issue 3 on ballotpedia: http://ballotpedia.org/Ohio_Marijuana_Legalization_Initiative_(2015)
Issue 2 on ballotpedia: http://ballotpedia.org/Ohio_Initiated_Monopolies_Amendment,_Issue_2_(2015)


Polling:

[TABLE="width: 800"]
[TR][TD]Pollster[/TD][TD]Subject Polled[/TD][TD]

Support​

[/TD][TD]

Oppose​

[/TD][TD]

Lead​

[/TD][TD]

Date​

[/TD][/TR]

[TR][TD]Zobgy / BGSU[/TD][TD]Issue 2[/TD][TD]

56​

[/TD][TD]

30​

[/TD][TD]

+26​

[/TD][TD]

10/16 - 10/17​

[/TD][/TR]

[TR][TD]WKYC / Kent State[/TD][TD]Issue 2[/TD][TD]

54​

[/TD][TD]

20​

[/TD][TD]

+34​

[/TD][TD]

10/6 - 10/8​

[/TD][/TR]

[TR][TD]University of Akron[/TD][TD]Issue 2[/TD][TD]

40​

[/TD][TD]

27​

[/TD][TD]

+13​

[/TD][TD]

9/1 - 10/1​

[/TD][/TR]
[/TABLE]

[TABLE="width: 800"]
[TR][TD]Pollster[/TD][TD]Subject Polled[/TD][TD]

Support​

[/TD][TD]

Oppose​

[/TD][TD]

Lead​

[/TD][TD]

Date​

[/TD][/TR]

[TR][TD]Zobgy / BGSU[/TD][TD]Issue 3[/TD][TD]

44​

[/TD][TD]

43​

[/TD][TD]

+1​

[/TD][TD]

10/16 - 10/17​

[/TD][/TR]

[TR][TD]Baldwin Wallace[/TD][TD]Issue 3[/TD][TD]

43​

[/TD][TD]

38​

[/TD][TD]

+5​

[/TD][TD]

10/7 - 10/19​

[/TD][/TR]

[TR][TD]WKYC / Kent State[/TD][TD]Issue 3[/TD][TD]

56​

[/TD][TD]

34​

[/TD][TD]

+22​

[/TD][TD]

10/6 - 10/8​

[/TD][/TR]

[TR][TD]University of Akron[/TD][TD]Issue 3[/TD][TD]

46​

[/TD][TD]

46​

[/TD][TD]

0​

[/TD][TD]

9/1 - 10/1​

[/TD][/TR]

[/TABLE]

[TABLE="width: 800"]
[TR][TD]Pollster[/TD][TD]Subject Polled[/TD][TD]

Support​

[/TD][TD]

Oppose​

[/TD][TD]

Lead​

[/TD][TD]

Date​

[/TD][/TR]

[TR][TD]Baldwin Wallace[/TD][TD]marijuana legalization[/TD][TD]

55​

[/TD][TD]

45​

[/TD][TD]

+10​

[/TD][TD]

10/7 - 10/19​

[/TD][/TR]

[TR][TD]WKYC / Kent State[/TD][TD]marijuana legalization[/TD][TD]

58​

[/TD][TD]

32​

[/TD][TD]

+26​

[/TD][TD]

10/6 - 10/8​

[/TD][/TR]

[TR][TD]Quinnipiac[/TD][TD]marijuana legalization[/TD][TD]

53​

[/TD][TD]

44​

[/TD][TD]

+9​

[/TD][TD]

9/25 - 10/5​

[/TD][/TR]

[TR][TD]Quinnipiac[/TD][TD]marijuana legalization[/TD][TD]

52​

[/TD][TD]

44​

[/TD][TD]

+8​

[/TD][TD]

3/17 - 3/28​

[/TD][/TR]

[TR][TD]Quinnipiac[/TD][TD]marijuana legalization[/TD][TD]

51​

[/TD][TD]

44​

[/TD][TD]

+7​

[/TD][TD]

February 2014​

[/TD][/TR]

[/TABLE]


Results:

100% reporting

Issue 2 - PASSED

[TABLE="width: 200"]
[TR][TD]YES[/TD][TD]

51.58%​

[/TD][TD]

1,587,060​

[/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD]NO[/TD][TD]

48.42%​

[/TD][TD]

1,489,703​

[/TD][/TR]
[/TABLE]

Issue 3 - FAILED

[TABLE="width: 200"]
[TR][TD]YES[/TD][TD]

35.90%​

[/TD][TD]

1,122,386​

[/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD]NO[/TD][TD]

64.10%​

[/TD][TD]

2,003,641​

[/TD][/TR]
[/TABLE]

 

[jct74]

I had heard about this and thought it was for the 2016 ballot, but it turns out the vote will be this November instead. Which is kind of unusual, because usually these statewide ballot initiatives happen in even numbered years, at least all the marijuana ones that I can remember.


There also should be several other marijuana ballot initiatives up for vote in 2016:

http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showth...arijuana-Legalization-Initiatives-An-Overview

 

[CaptUSA]

I imagine this will be a pretty easy pass. Being in an off-year, the most passionate voters will show up. They'll have to work pretty hard to stop it.

However, one of the biggest opponents of this bill is a group that advocates legalization. I guess they have a problem with they way it's being done here. By restricting the number of "qualified" vendors. In other words, they'll set them up like casino restrictions in other states where obtaining and keeping the licenses involve heavy payouts to the local politicians.

Since I live in Ohio now, I'm curious how this will all turn out.

 

[Koz]

I didn't read the articles, not sure if they talk about how this amendment creates a cartel that is already decided, only 10 growers in the entire state. So while it allows for marijuana legalization it limits the producers to only 10 growers that have already been decided. Although I support legalization, not if it creates a cartel. I for one will be voting no. Free markets are more important to me than legalization. They couldn't have fucked this up more if they tried. It is a shame.

 

[Tod]

The word seems to be getting out about what a lousy proposal this is. This is crony corporatism at its finest, and hopefully enough people realize that when they vote.

 

[pcosmar]

I didn't read the articles, not sure if they talk about how this amendment creates a cartel that is already decided, only 10 growers in the entire state. So while it allows for marijuana legalization it limits the producers to only 10 growers that have already been decided. Although I support legalization, not if it creates a cartel. I for one will be voting no. Free markets are more important to me than legalization. They couldn't have fucked this up more if they tried. It is a shame.

Personally, I'm opposed to any and all regulation. However,, State by state incremental legalization is happening..

I'll take that with hopes to simplify it later.

 

[brandon]

I didn't read the articles, not sure if they talk about how this amendment creates a cartel that is already decided, only 10 growers in the entire state. So while it allows for marijuana legalization it limits the producers to only 10 growers that have already been decided. Although I support legalization, not if it creates a cartel. I for one will be voting no. Free markets are more important to me than legalization. They couldn't have fucked this up more if they tried. It is a shame.

The one linked article did talk about this. Apparently the amendment is so bad that NORML's Ohia branch is actually opposed to it. What a freaking shame. Not knowing much more I still hope it passes I guess, but it sounds seriously fucked.

I wonder if they will even have any good weed? If it's just a small handful or corn farmers with no real competition, would they even bother learning how to grow the good shit?

 

[NewRightLibertarian]

This is the oligarchy's attempt to monopolize the marijuana industry. They are trying to pull this shit in Michigan too. Thankfully I don't think they are having much success here as an excellent rival ballot initiative has overshadowed their takeover attempt. Guess Ohio isn't as fortunate.

 

[CaptUSA]

This is the oligarchy's attempt to monopolize the marijuana industry. They are trying to pull this shit in Michigan too. Thankfully I don't think they are having much success here as an excellent rival ballot initiative has overshadowed their takeover attempt. Guess Ohio isn't as fortunate.

I imagine they are hedging their bets. If it passes, some cronies will make big money which will be used to enrichen politicians. If it fails because the voters got wise to their scheme, then they will trumpet it as "turning the tide" in the effort to fight back legalization.

 

[Christopher A. Brown]

The word seems to be getting out about what a lousy proposal this is. This is crony corporatism at its finest, and hopefully enough people realize that when they vote.

Yes, looks that way. However, Ohio is a state with ballot initiative I think, meaning they can change it later. Decriminalization is very important, and this goes further than that.

California saw Mexican cartels moving in to grow, and that screwed up a lot. So it'll be good just on the relaxation empowering medical uses. A slow transition to something more decentralized will suit the Midwestern conservative mentality much better while getting the medical relief where it is needed and unloading the courts or prisons with elements that just do not belong there.

 

[dannno]

Ya I would still support this - the black market will still exist in Ohio just like it does now, but it gives people with medicinal needs the ability to access it freely if needed, without the needed approval of a doctor who might be scared of being prosecuted for prescribing it 'willy nilly' and it also stops users from going to jail.

 

[Sola_Fide]

It's not going to pass.

 

[Mach]

From what I read the other day in some comments, it's the people that are pushing this Amendment that are the ones that are going to get all the booty.

I understand being against it and my first instinct is to do that, but like others have said, it's easier to change it over after it gets in than to try to get it totally passed, especially after an earlier, "loss."

2015, yeah, the other groups were probably waiting until the big election like they are here (Mo) and that "group" shuffled in and hijacked the box.

Pass it and free, the booty!

 

[jct74]

I'll be updating this thread and OP with news and information regarding the ballot initiative, similar to how I did for the ballot initiatives in 2012 and 2014.


Here's some links for the organization behind the initiative - ResponsibleOhio - to start off with:

website: http://responsibleohio.com/
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ResponsibleOH
twitter: https://twitter.com/ResponsibleOH
youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCELGVEHtPvBfJ7_ksyxiOgA/videos

 

[jkr]

Ohio is Decriminalized now and has been since the late 70's i think

NOTHING will change, the war on the people will continue, different people will get rich off the suffering...OF CREATING TAXABLE RE\/ENUE!!!


but it would be nice to be wrong...

 

[jct74]

Here's the only polling I was able to find:


[TABLE="width: 800"]
[TR][TD]Pollster[/TD][TD]Subject Polled[/TD][TD]

Support​

[/TD][TD]

Oppose​

[/TD][TD]

Lead​

[/TD][TD]

Date​

[/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD]Quinnipiac[/TD][TD]marijuana legalization[/TD][TD]

52​

[/TD][TD]

44​

[/TD][TD]

+8​

[/TD][TD]

3/17 - 3/28​

[/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD]Quinnipiac[/TD][TD]marijuana legalization[/TD][TD]

51​

[/TD][TD]

44​

[/TD][TD]

+7​

[/TD][TD]

February 2014​

[/TD][/TR]
[/TABLE]

 

[jct74]

Here's the ballotpedia entries for the marijuana legalization initiative (Issue 3) and the anti-monopoly initiative (Issue 2):

http://ballotpedia.org/Ohio_Marijuana_Legalization_Initiative_(2015)
http://ballotpedia.org/Ohio_Initiated_Monopolies_Amendment,_Issue_2_(2015)

 

[surf]

good luck ohio. as a guy that voted for the worst marijuana decrim initiative anywhere, i'll hope this one isn't as bad. other states seem to have taken the Washington initiative as an example of what not to do.

a yes vote is good in that it will force the police to rethink their position on weed. hell, i'm not sure what you have to do to get busted smoking weed in Seattle these days... perhaps have it show up in your piss/blood if you get pulled over for drunk driving, but other than that, it is completely ignored. walking out of the Sounders game today (a 4-nil shellacking of Orlando) I smelled weed outside the Stadium as cops were shuffling people on their way w/no concern for the wonderful smell wafting through the air.

it changes things and it changes attitudes very much.

and, it will lower "black market" weed prices substantially.

 

[CaptUSA]

Here's the ballotpedia entries for the marijuana legalization initiative (Issue 3) and the anti-monopoly initiative (Issue 2):

http://ballotpedia.org/Ohio_Marijuana_Legalization_Initiative_(2015)
http://ballotpedia.org/Ohio_Initiated_Monopolies_Amendment,_Issue_2_(2015)

So it looks like a "yes" vote for both initiatives is in order?

 

[pcosmar]

good luck ohio. as a guy that voted for the worst marijuana decrim initiative anywhere, i'll hope this one isn't as bad. other states seem to have taken the Washington initiative as an example of what not to do.

a yes vote is good in that it will force the police to rethink their position on weed. hell, i'm not sure what you have to do to get busted smoking weed in Seattle these days... perhaps have it show up in your piss/blood if you get pulled over for drunk driving, but other than that, it is completely ignored. walking out of the Sounders game today (a 4-nil shellacking of Orlando) I smelled weed outside the Stadium as cops were shuffling people on their way w/no concern for the wonderful smell wafting through the air.

it changes things and it changes attitudes very much.

and, it will lower "black market" weed prices substantially.

I am currently observing the Washington "tier" system. (looking into employment).
I am sure there is a Black Market still.. but prices in local stores are good. The black market would only be the prohibited,,, products or people.