Ohio marijuana legalization initiative qualifies for November 2015 ballot

[surf]

but prices in local stores are good.

good luck to you, but $20/gram?

 

[dannno]

good luck to you, but $20/gram?

I get wax for that price...

 

[jct74]

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

The anti-monopoly initiative is intended to kill the marijuana legalization initiative. It was put on the ballot by a bunch of state legislators who don't want marijuana legalized, as opposed to the marijuana initiative which was put on the ballot by collecting citizen signatures. If both initiatives pass, no one is sure what the exact outcome will be. It will have to be decided by the courts. I assume the anti-monopoly initiative would void the entire marijuana legalization initiative though, that is certainly the intent behind it. I would vote YES on Issue 3 (marijuana legalization) and NO on Issue 2.

 

[jct74]

here's a good article that explains what could happen if both initiatives pass.

What happens if both marijuana legalization and anti-monopoly amendments pass?

By Jackie Borchardt
on August 17, 2015 at 10:25 AM

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio voters in November will face two constitutional amendments that conflict with one another.

One -- a citizen-initiated amendment -- would legalize a new marijuana industry dependent on 10 predetermined growing sites. Another, which state lawmakers put on the ballot, seeks to block that business model.

What happens if they both pass?

...

Ohio's chief election official, Secretary of State Jon Husted, says it's clear: The amendment seeking to block the marijuana plan would prevail because it would take effect first.

But marijuana legalization backers who disagree with Husted's interpretation would likely challenge it in the Ohio Supreme Court, leaving the ultimate decision in the hands of the justices.

...

On the same day ResponsibleOhio submitted nearly 700,000 signatures to qualify for the November ballot, lawmakers added a provision to HJR 4 that affects only ResponsibleOhio's amendment:

"If, at the general election held on November 3, 2015, the electors approve a proposed constitutional amendment that conflicts with division (B)(1) of this section with regard to the creation of a monopoly, oligopoly, or cartel for the sale, distribution, or other use of any federal Schedule I controlled substance ... that entire proposed constitutional amendment shall not take effect."

...

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

 

[Mach]

History in the making.


---

Every time a State legalizes, the ball gets bigger and rolls faster......

 

[jct74]

Coalition forms to fight marijuana legalization

By Alan Johnson
August 17, 2015 7:40 PM




Two photos speak volumes about the fledgling campaign opposing marijuana legalization in Ohio.

A picture of a child’s hand reaching into a jar for a tempting gummy candy hints at the daunting possibility that kids might eat cookies and candy laced with marijuana, with resulting serious health effects.

The second photo, an adult’s hand slipping a $100 bill into a suit pocket, hits proponents for seeking to carve a money-making marijuana monopoly into the Ohio Constitution.

Ohioans Against Marijuana Monopolies, the coalition opposing the Issue 3 marijuana-legalization ballot issue, will need all the imagery it can get. The opposition campaign is a mile wide in terms of supporters, but an inch deep in financial resources.

...

Quiet for months, marijuana legalization opponents finally came out in force Monday at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where a coalition of medical, mental-health, clergy and business leaders and politicians strongly denounced the November pot issue.

Curt Steiner, a seasoned political consultant from Columbus and spokesman for the opposition, called ResponsibleOhio’s plan “an extreme radical proposal.” Steiner declined to say how much money the coalition expects to raise or whether it will be able to afford television commercials.

...

read more:
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2015/08/17/Green_Rush_tour.html

 

[jct74]

ResponsibleOhio takes marijuana legalization campaign on the road

By Jackie Borchardt
on August 17, 2015 at 11:42 AM

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The group pushing to legalize marijuana in Ohio will tour all 88 counties in a neon green camper before Election Day.

ResponsibleOhio unveiled its "green rush" bus tour on Monday morning, showing off a green and blue-wrapped recreational camper outside the Ohio Statehouse. The announcement came hours before the group that will formally oppose the marijuana legalization amendment will kick off its campaign.

ResponsibleOhio spokeswoman Faith Oltman said the camper will make three stops per day most weekdays in places such as colleges and universities and town squares.

"We now know voters will have the opportunity to make legalization a reality this November. It's time for us to educate the public about what our amendment will do and how we're planning to reform failed marijuana prohibition," Oltman said during the Statehouse press conference.

...

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

 

[jct74]

The backers of the legalization amendment have already pledged to spend $20 million. Total amount spent by legalization backers in Colorado for the 2012 campaign: $2.5 million.

Ohio, prepare for Marijuana Battle 2015

Jessie Balmert
August 18, 2015

COLUMBUS – In this corner, we have pro-pot group ResponsibleOhio with about $20 million to spend on advertising, a new bus headed to 88 counties and polls that say most Ohioans are fine with legalizing at least medicinal pot.

In the other corner, we have Ohioans Against Marijuana Monopolies, a group of pediatricians, manufacturers, farmers and police officers who say legalizing marijuana would put children at risk and create an oligopoly that’s bad for Ohio business.

Let Battle of the Blunt 2015 begin.

...

Until then, ResponsibleOhio and the groups opposing it are in for an expensive fight.

In Colorado, groups opposing marijuana legalization spent about $800,000 and those supporting legalization spent $2.5 million, said Marijuana Policy Project spokesman Mason Tvert, who worked on the Colorado campaign.

“This is American politics. It takes money to get your message out and reach voters where they are,” said Tom Angell, founder of the Marijuana Majority.

And the $20 million that ResponsibleOhio says it has raised? “That would be an exceptional amount,” Tvert said.

...

read more:
http://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/local/2015/08/18/ohio-prepare-marijuana-battle/31882951/

 

[jct74]

Here's ResponsibleOhio's first statewide pro-marijuana ad (video)

By Jackie Borchardt
on August 24, 2015 at 1:05 PM




COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Pro-marijuana group ResponsibleOhio has purchased airtime on broadcast stations around the state to try to persuade Ohioans to vote yes on Issue 3, which would legalize marijuana for recreational and medical use.

The ad airing across the state features Howard Rahtz, a former Cincinnati Police Department captain who has written and spoken about battling illegal drug trafficking. Rahtz is also a member of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, a national organization of current and former officers who believe anti-drug laws don't work and often advocate legalizing marijuana.

...

Like ResponsibleOhio's first ad, this 30-second spot doesn't show marijuana or marijuana products. The ad is airing in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo and Youngstown, according to TV station records available Monday.

This statewide ad buy cost more than $240,000, according to TV station records. ResponsibleOhio has said it plans to spend about $20 million on the campaign.

...

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

 

[dannno]

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

Think that RV ever gets pulled over?

 

[jct74]

Fun fact: Nick Lachey of the boy-band 98 Degrees and NBA legend Oscar Robertson are backing this initiative

Nick Lachey wants ResponsibleOhio marijuana legalization

Anne Saker
April 15, 2015




Nick Lachey, Cincinnati native and restaurant owner, boy-band star and reality-TV notable, said Wednesday he is in favor of the ResponsibleOhio proposed constitutional amendment to legalize marijuana in Ohio. He has invested in the Summit County property that could be one of the 10 farms to grow legal cannabis if the initiative passes.

Lachey joins a list of local bold-face names, including NBA Hall of Fame player Oscar Robertson, NFL defensive end Frostee Rucker, fashion designer Nanette Lepore and philanthropist Barbara Gould, who have gone public with their support for legalization.

In a statement released by ResponsibleOhio, Lachey said, "Ohio is my home, and as a resident and local business owner I am proud to be part of a movement that has the potential to create jobs, reinvigorate the local economy and improve the safety of our communities. Passage of this proposal will result in much-needed economic development opportunities across Ohio, and update the state's position on marijuana in a smart and safe way."

...

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/new...onsibleohio-legalization-initiative/25814091/

 

[jct74]

ResponsibleOhio challenges marijuana legalization ballot language in Ohio Supreme Court

By Jackie Borchardt
August 27, 2015 at 3:14 PM

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Backers of a constitutional amendment to legalize marijuana in Ohio on Thursday asked the Ohio Supreme Court to force the Ohio Ballot Board and Secretary of State Jon Husted to rewrite the ballot summary language and title for Issue 3 that will appear on the statewide ballot Nov. 3 or use wording proposed by supporters.

In an appeal filed Thursday afternoon, ResponsibleOhio attorney Andy Douglas, a former Supreme Court justice, called the language "fatal to the validity of the ballot."

The 40-page complaint alleges the ballot summary uses prejudicial language and omits key facts about the proposed constitutional amendment. The Ohio Constitution says ballot language cannot be drafted to "mislead, deceive, or defraud voters," and Douglas claimed the Issue 3 language does not appropriately, adequately or fairly inform voters what they are voting on.

...

The Republican-controlled Ohio Ballot Board voted 3-2 along party lines to approve the summary language. Douglas listed more than a dozen ways he says the summary language is inaccurate or misleads voters.

Among them: How much marijuana someone can purchase and transport, whether marijuana shops can be near churches and schools, guidelines for medical marijuana patients, what zoning laws apply to marijuana businesses, the authority of the General Assembly and proposed regulatory agency, and how many taxes marijuana businesses have to pay.

...

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

 

[jct74]

LOL

Buddie the marijuana mascot draws complaints from children's advocates

By Jackie Borchardt
August 26, 2015 at 5:40 PM

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Pro-marijuana group ResponsibleOhio introduced its new mascot to supporters this week, but its chosen face of marijuana legalization hasn't been a hit with everyone.

Part Superman, part cannabis plant, "Buddie" has a green marijuana bud for a head, sports six-pack abs and wears a cape. On his chest: The letter B over a cannabis leaf and the state of Ohio.

ResponsibleOhio posted photos of the mascot to Facebook. Followers drew instant comparisons between Buddie and Joe Camel, the cigarette mascot that was retired to settle a lawsuit alleging R.J. Reynolds used the cartoon character to market to children.

Nick Lashutka, president of the Ohio Children's Hospital Association, said he's shocked that ResponsibleOhio appears to be marketing marijuana to kids before voters even see it on the ballot. Lashutka said it's disappointing the group would choose a superhero character to represent a substance that has proven to be dangerous for children.

"I have four kids and if any of them were to see this, they would draw a conclusion that it's OK," Lashutka said.

...

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

 

[jct74]

The largest newspaper in Cleveland, the Plain Dealer, has come out against the initiative because they say it is a monopoly. Apparently they are only opposed to monopolies that legalize marijuana though, because they endorsed a monopoly gambling initiative that was on the ballot in Ohio a few years ago.

http://www.cleveland.com/opinion/index.ssf/2015/08/responsibleohios_issue_3_is_th.html

 

[Koz]

The largest newspaper in Cleveland, the Plain Dealer, has come out against the initiative because they say it is a monopoly. Apparently they are only opposed to monopolies that legalize marijuana though, because they endorsed a monopoly gambling initiative that was on the ballot in Ohio a few years ago.




read more:
http://www.cleveland.com/opinion/index.ssf/2015/08/responsibleohios_issue_3_is_th.html

It technically is not a Monopoly, it is a cartel. Monopoly would be one company owning all of the farms. Cartel is 10 companies owning all of the farms. It is a shitty amendment. I will be voting no on both issues.

 

[CaptUSA]

It technically is not a Monopoly, it is a cartel. Monopoly would be one company owning all of the farms. Cartel is 10 companies owning all of the farms. It is a shitty amendment. I will be voting no on both issues.

Right, but I'm thinking I'm going to vote for it. It sucks, but my hope is to legalize it now through the ballot initiative and then fight to open the market once it's developed. It may be naïve, but I'd like to get that camel's nose under the tent.

 

[dannno]

I will be voting no on both issues.

That's a shame.. it may give the cartel the best opportunity to provide to the public, but my guess is that the black market will receive less scrutiny under the new laws and will be able to expand, operate and compete with the legal market. I've seen that happen a lot of places where it has been legalized in some form, medicinal or otherwise, and it effectively forces the legal providers to increase their quality and reduce their prices over time.

 

[Mach]

One of the big investors gave a sales pitch to some future marijuana entrepreneurs, letting them know that there will still be some marijuana trinket businesses for them to make money from....


http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2015/08/responsibleohio_investor_defen.html

Issue 3 would legalize marijuana sales and use to adults over age 21, making Ohio the fifth state to allow recreational use and the first to legalize without first having a medical marijuana program. All commercial marijuana could only be grown on 10 pre-selected sites owned by investors bankrolling the initiative, but Ohioans could grow small amounts for personal use.

If approved by voters, marijuana could be sold at retail storefronts as soon as October 2016. Issue 3 would allow up to 1,150 retail stores in Ohio -- more than the number of Starbucks and McDonalds stores in Ohio. Retail licenses would have to first be approved in local elections, similar to liquor licenses.

 

[jct74]

Issue 2 could also affect future marijuana legalization initiatives if this one (Issue 3) fails. I'm not sure I completely understand all of this but I'd be extremely wary of anything that screws with the ballot initiative process.

Critics say Issue 2 could block more than marijuana amendment

By Jackie Borchardt
September 04, 2015 at 8:30 AM

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Much of the debate around Issue 2 has been about preventing monopolies and ResponsibleOhio's plan to legalize marijuana in Ohio.

But other language in Issue 2 could also block a marijuana legalization proposal targeted for the November 2016 ballot. And critics say it could affect any future constitutional amendments dealing with tax rates.

In addition to prohibiting monopolies, oligopolies, and cartels, Issue 2 would change Ohio's constitution to prohibit specifying tax rates and granting licenses in future amendments. But critics and legal experts say because the amendment's language is unclear, Issue 2 could jeopardize future citizen initiatives.

...

Issue 2 wouldn't prevent future ballot initiatives from making the ballot, but it would make winning more difficult. For those initiatives, voters would first see a question asking if they want a monopoly, special tax rate, or whatever exclusive right the amendment is seeking. Then they would be asked to vote on a second question: the amendment itself.

...

read more:
http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2015/09/critics_say_issue_2_could_bloc.html

 

[H. E. Panqui]

.....people....please.....stop using the term 'legalization'...it implies we get our 'rights' from legislatures..[full of republicrat village idiots/puppets]...

....it implies 'the legalizers' 'want a law' so they can smoke pot......(this 'legalizer' wants to repeal any 'law' which interferes with my unalienable right/responsibility to self-medicate, etc..

...of course, THE REALITY is that these stinking republicrat pig-headed prohibitionists want MANY EXPEN$IVE AND PUNITIVE LAWS TO TRY TO CONTROL, etc., PEOPLE... ...they are the ones abusing government...not 'the dope-smoking hippies' who just want to be left alone...