Ohio: Early voting on cannabis legalisation begins

Ohio embarks on a new chapter: Voting on cannabis legalisation

Ohio has taken a significant step towards cannabis reform as residents commence voting on Issue 2. This citizens' initiated measure seeks to legalise and regulate the possession, home cultivation, and retail sale of cannabis for adults aged 21 and over.

Public opinion and opposition

Recent statewide polls have indicated a majority backing for the measure, with 59% in favour. The support is particularly robust among Democrats and Independents. However, not everyone is on board.

Several interest groups, including the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, have voiced their opposition, expressing concerns that regulating the adult-use cannabis market might compromise workplace safety.

Debunking workplace safety concerns

NORML's Deputy Director, Paul Armentano, addressed these concerns in an op-ed in The Columbus Dispatch. He highlighted that studies examining the effects of adult-use legalisation laws have not found any evidence supporting the concerns raised by opponents of Issue 2.

In fact, an extensive review by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences found no correlation between cannabis use and occupational accidents or injuries.

In another commentary in The Cleveland Plain Dealer, Armentano further clarified that Issue 2 does not alter existing workplace drug-testing policies for cannabis.

He emphasised that employees consuming cannabis during their off-hours do not differ in performance from their peers, many of whom might consume alcohol, and they do not pose any additional safety risks.

Key provisions of the ballot proposal

The ballot proposal outlines several provisions:

• Adults can possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana or 15 grams of marijuana extract.
• Residents of Ohio can purchase cannabis from retail locations or cultivate up to 12 plants in a private residence, provided at least two adults live there.
• Retail cannabis products will be subject to a 10% tax. Sales are projected to generate between $276.2 million to $403.6 million in annual cannabis tax revenue by the fifth year.
• Municipalities have the option to prohibit retail sales through an ordinance passed by a majority of elected officials.

Legislative response and misinformation

While the proposal is a statutory question rather than a constitutional amendment, state lawmakers can modify its provisions post-approval by voters. Recently, the GOP-led Ohio Senate passed a resolution urging voters to reject the initiative.

This resolution contained several misleading claims, such as the assertion that cannabis use can permanently reduce intelligence and that its consumption more than doubles the risk of developing an opioid-use disorder.

Contrary to these claims, numerous studies have shown that cannabis use is not linked to long-term changes in brain structure or cognition. Moreover, many individuals who consume cannabis reduce or cease their opioid use.

Ohio's potential place in the cannabis movement

If Ohioans vote in favour of Issue 2, Ohio will join the ranks as the 24th state to legalise the adult-use cannabis market and the 14th to do so through a public vote. This move could further solidify the growing acceptance and normalisation of cannabis in the United States.

More information on Issue 2

For those interested in diving deeper into the topic, the NORML Fact Sheet offers comprehensive insights on the 'Societal Impacts of Cannabis Dispensaries/Retailers'.