John S.

That part about a mandatory 3 day jail sentence is draconian-I'm not aware of any other state that is that harsh on car passengers. It blatantly appears that there are those who will attempt anything and everything to derail this voter initiative. Sharing is such a vague term that just smoking a joint between two adults is deemed a crime. I get the part about not selling homegrown to others but sitting in an empty park or on a deserted beach and sharing a J between two people could be interpreted as a violation. (actually two violations- a prohibition against public smoking and sharing between people) Imagine what would happen if that approach was taken with alcoholic beverages? An army of winos would descend on the State house-just joking of course, but the absurdity is obvious.

Obviously, the genius who came up with that idea has never been to an outdoor Rock concert or other venue where the smell of Marijuana permeates the air. Sharing between adults is to remain a crime...wow. Looks like another amendment will be needed before sensible Marijuana reform in Ohio becomes a reality. I'm going to go ahead and renew my Med. MJ license/prescription and if allowed, stock up on concentrates before they get watered down. There was nothing wrong with the existing THC percentages before the measure was passed but now whatever changes are finally made will apply both to Med. MJ as well as recreational or, will there be a two-tier system?

While there's some hope of a 90 day rollout of Rec. Marijuana at existing Medical dispensaries, State legislators continue to tinker with specific items related to implementation of voter Initiative 2. There's an online publication focused on state by state Marijuana laws by Brooklyn. NY, activist Tom Angell, called Marijuana Moment. Angell is described as "a 20+ year veteran of the legalization movement, Marijuana Moment helps activists, industry professionals, consumers, policymakers and the public understand developments and trends affecting cannabis." On Dec. 12 Angell's online publication came out with an article about the current status of Ohio voter initiative 2: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/ohio-house-lawmakers-take-up-gop-bill-to-amend-voter-approved-marijuana-law-as-alternative-to-senate-overhaul/ For UO readers' time convenience, I screen captured the following two Ohio House bills, HB 354 and HB 86 as well as the original provisions in Initiative No. 2 for comparison. My conclusions from reading the article is that the debate at the State level isn't over so what the final version will look like remains to be seen.

Thanks for speaking up. I go back to the original stated purpose of the initiative: To tax and regulate Marijuana like Alcohol. If that places Marijuana on an equal legal footing as Alcohol, then, like Alcohol, THC percentages should be up to the licensed suppliers and not determined by legislators with zero Marijuana use experience. The THC percentages should be stated on the packaging (as they are for Medical MJ) just as proof levels (percentages of grain alcohol) are required on containers of Alcohol distillates. If one chooses to partake of cannabis with an elevated level of T.H.C. then the responsible thing is to plan and act accordingly. Just before bed it can help provide a better night's sleep. Watching the snow flakes falling or listening to favorite music on a day when roads are impassible may also be enjoyable but smoking Cannabis with higher THC levels is obviously inappropriate before going in for a job interview. (even if it's a Cannabis related job) In other words, there's no single percentage or a uniform THC level that fits all. It's almost as though people in Michigan are considered more responsible and having more common sense than folks in Ohio in the eyes of our State legislature who wants to "protect" us because we don't know any better. So, has the final version of the two State bills on Initiative 2 been settled on? I listened to one news report that mentioned an effort towards bringing Rec. MJ to the market at existing Medical MJ dispensaries in a "few months". (as opposed to the year or longer delay previously circulating) I still find it unbelievable that Initiative 1 hasn't become the political football that it was before the November 7 vote. Interesting too is all the controversy now surrounding adult public access Cannabis while for years, the existing Ohio guidelines for Medical Cannabis/Marijuana have operated smoothly and efficiently. Once again, "why try to fix something if it ain't broke?" Of course, that's a rhetorical question as voter approved Marijuana legislation is now a political football to kick around for political points at least until the Governor signs it into Ohio law.

That is one of the strongest arguments I've yet heard for legalizing and regulating Cannabis. You never know whether Cannabis that came from illicit sources is Pot only or could have been dusted or adulterated with far more dangerous substances. The only incident of that kind I ever (thankfully) had was many years ago. A Michigan friend of mine shared a so called "pin" joint of what was being claimed as "Columbian" from a family member of his who had told him it was the best smoke he had ever had. I found it to be beyond strong as it created a bewildering sensation of extreme dizziness and disorientation. I later found out that it had allegedly been dusted with PCP, a potent (illegal for human use) animal tranquilizer. I still think potency choices should be left up to the consumer-imagine going into a liquor store and only being able to purchase brands with 40% or less alcohol content because higher levels were prohibited by legislation. As stated before, limiting THC levels encourages home growing of more potent stains and the potential for a new black market. Are THC levels limited in Michigan? (where most Ohioans will have to travel get their legal retail pot for another year, or longer. ) And why are concentrates (usually a form of Cannabis resin) available as they exceed the lower threshold for flower/buds? Maybe the mistake I'm making is trying to take a rational approach to this issue-of course, when politics are involved, none of that matters. I don't understand very well the contentious debate over the allowable locations for dispensaries. If communities still consider them dangerous (putting them in the same category as Pawn shops, massage parlors, and payday loan businesses) then why not require dispensaries to be located within a half mile of a law enforcement facility? For dispensaries, that would be added security for what is for now still a cash only business. It would dissuade street dealers from hanging out near dispensaries (as has been known to happen in other states) and mandate properly run businesses. Those who opine that there will be plenty of opportunities to tweak the law and its variety of rules are far more optimistic than I am. I guess I've had my say on this topic and I thank this forum for allowing it. Unless the final version is very close to the initiative language, I don't think this issue had been permanently settled. However, at least its a start. Happy Ohio 420 everyone.

Spectrum Channel 1 has covered the on-going debate in Columbus today (Weds.) over the repeal of Cannabis Prohibition following passage of Voter Initiative No. 2. Among the various sound bites was that of Governor Dewine who, I hate to say this-sounded almost paranoid about the passage of the number 2 measure. He appeared with all of a look of seriousness he could muster and emphatically stated that he wanted to protect the people of Ohio from this alleged "menace" known as Recreational Marijuana. Honorable Governor, it's a PLANT for heaven's sake! It didn't pick up the nickname "Weed" because it's some exotic toxic flower from dense tropical jungles. Cannabis/Marijuana has been around for Millennia. It's medicinal value has been recognized since ancient times. The first U.S Pharmacopia (a compendium of medically recognized drugs and compounds) had Cannabis listed in it in 1820. It wasn't until the 1930's that this long recognized medicinal plant was deemed evil, immoral, and even worse; addictive. The 1930's were also a time of Xenophobia (fear of foreigners) so another weapon in the war against Cannabis was to closely associate its use with disadvantaged Minority groups. The ultimate push in the War against Cannabis was the propaganda movie Reefer Madness. In today's retrospective, the movie was comical and totally detached from any truths or reality but it did succeed in generating Marijuana paranoia in the public realm. When the FBI was established with the newly minted chief, J. Edgar Hoover, the message to the public was that the Feds would use this new government agency to get tough on crime and bust up the violent criminal gangs. (who had flourished under alcohol prohibition) A close friend of Hoover was Henry J. Anslinger, who was appointed chief of the Bureau of Narcotics. He waged an incessant effort to make Cannabis illegal as his primary goal even though prohibition would also mean the end of Hemp cultivation which had been an American agriculture staple since Colonial times. By the end of the 1930's decade, Cannabis was legally lumped together with the most dangerous Narcotics in the world. I'm going to fast forward and go past the 1960's when the youth movement once again embraced Cannabis/Marijuana, and move to the present, when it is on the verge of legality in Ohio. However, it's still (mis)classified as a Schedule 1 Narcotic on the DEA's list of drugs meaning it has no recognized medical value which flies in the face of almost two centuries of recognized medicinal value by the American Medical establishment. As I wrote before, I'm 100% for protecting minors from Cannabis use and alcohol use although in the real world, by the time kids reach high school age, many have already been exposed to illicit drugs and alcohol. Why initiative Two has become the poster child of political grand-standing in the Ohio legislature remains obscure. I thought Initiative 1 which protects reproductive rights, would be far more controversial but instead, it's a political tug of war over legalizing the adult public's access to a plant. Truly a shame, IMO, because 23 other states have been down this legalization road before and I'm not aware of any having such political pyrotechnics as Ohio is now having. I'm still bothered over two items on the political agenda debate-first, the allowable possession limits. Why must the (because it ain't broken, so why try to fix it? ) effort to reduce the amount from the current Med. Marijuana's 2.5 ounces (which has worked fine for Ohio medical MJ patients since the program has been in place) to a much lower, 1 ounce amount? For those who favor the one ounce limit, you do realize if individuals are allowed to home grow, that the weight of the entire plant (which is legally considered Cannabis even if unsmokable) can exceed a POUND? So growers would be in violation of that proposed possession amount change from the time that their plants cumulatively exceeded one ounce in weight. I've harped on this before, but trying to lower potency because existing Medical Marijuana limits are "too permissive", only indicates you know very little about Cannabis. First, what do you know about T.H.C. the psycho-active compound in Cannabis? It's a fact that over time, the T.H.C. levels break down so harvested plant material that tested out at 28.5% at harvest time will test at significantly lower levels two months later. A year later, especially if stored at room temperature or a hotter environment, the T.H.C. levels become negligible. I said this effort seems asinine because it has the effect of the State limiting how "stoned" someone can get. Alcohol, which has a much longer track record than Cannabis, has no such limitations-if you're an adult, you can go buy yourself a bottle of Everclear, and drink yourself into unconsciousness. Cannabis is not like alcohol because it affects different areas of the brain. Alcohol can break down inhibitions, and encourage throwing caution to the wind while Cannabis often heightens alertness and in some cases can create an exaggerated sense of fear or concern. In other words, Cannabis affects different individuals, differently. That's why the State required label on Med. MJ states that the effects can last from 1 to 3 hours. In summary, eyeing T.H.C. with the same view as alcohol is a totally invalid approach. And since I've already mentioned the dichotomy between the proposed one ounce limit and the average weight of a home-grown plant-would all home grown Cannabis plants also have to be tested for T.H.C. content? Would a new illicit market (which Initiative 2 was supposed to eliminate) of high potency home-grown Pot create yet another lucrative black market that isn't at all necessary? Again, T.H.C, because it's an organic compound, is unstable chemically causing it to break down over time just like any organic substance does. Trying to regulate how "high" someone can get by dictating T.H.C. levels is totally asinine. I do hope there's still room for some common sense in this discussion both here and in Columbus. I applaud the voters of Ohio for removing this barrier to a plant that 23 other states have already deemed worthwhile. I continue to be dismayed that there are those who are trying to turn this positive initiative inside-out for whatever political gain they perceive they can accumulate by distorting and thwarting what the voters of Ohio asked for. Please do the right thing, and you'll get my vote.

Physical threats against legislators? That has no place in a civilized society. Money almost always seems to be a major component in every controversial law. Do any Ohio legislators have incentives derived from gratuities and perks from various sources, legal or illegal? I want to believe that all elected legislators are pillars of virtue and cannot be corrupted but I'm not that naive. Are owners of Pot shops in Michigan leaning on Ohio legislators to help keep their Ohio business traffic robust? The fact that amendments to the passed version of voter initiative No. 2 are being rushed at warp speed to the floor to beat the initiative becoming law on Thursday seems curious because the actual availability of recreational Marijuana across the counter in Ohio will take, according to most estimates I've read, a minimum of Nine (9) months to a full year, That means until December of 2024 (unless other changes are made) recreational Marijuana won't be available for purchase in the State of Ohio. I'm sure the Michigan Pot shops will greatly appreciate that glacially slow rollout. So will those who supply the underground economy because possession (and the debate continues between an allowable 2.5 ounces to only 1 ounce) will become legal after Thursday, will they too have a full year in which to enrich themselves. (and, of course, pay zero taxes?) There is no need to reinvent the wheel-Medical Marijuana has been legal for several years in Ohio. Why does recreational (I hate that term) Marijuana require a whole new set of rules? I have no problem with any measures put in place to reduce the exposure of minors to Cannabis. For that reason, I can't see outdoor cultivation as being beneficial as it could encourage thefts of plants by minors. I think those who wish to grow their allowable 6 plants should be provided ID tags for a year and a fee could be charged and collected, to level the tax burden between licensed grow facilities (who now face a 15% tax instead of the current 10%) and home growers. Trying to reduce THC potency is asinine. One of the most noticeable scare tactics used against Cannabis in recent years is the "this isn't your Dad's kind of Pot!" No, it isn't, but so what? Cannabis is a very complex plant with other ingredients besides THC. All of these ingredients interact to produce the "high". Medical Cannabis labels show the effects can last from 1-3 hours so, for some, the effects can wear off in an hour or less while for others it can linger for up to 3 hours. If THC levels of up to 90% for concentrates and 50% for flower/buds worked without problems for Medical Marijuana prescribed patients, then why now must all forms of Cannabis in Ohio be limited to 50% for concentrates and 25% for buds/flowers? Then there's the pile on the taxes issue. The recreational market will open up a new source of state and local revenues but here greed seems to creep in with taxation proposed at 15%. Why not start at 10%, then, after a year, increase the rate to 12.5% and up to 15% in the following years? The goal here appears to be to kill the new market before it even gets off the ground. Those licensed growers who would supply the new recreational Pot market have to make a profit to stay in business. If the hidden goal is to preserve the illicit underground market (which pays zero taxes) then taxing licensed growers into unprofitability would be one sure way to achieve it. Best IMO, for the new legislation to deviate minimally from the No. 2 measure's language. During this long year ahead while all the details are being worked out there will be plenty of time for sensible changes to be made if there is something found to be lacking. Voters for the measure are against the current prohibition because it hasn't worked in Ohio and hasn't worked nation-wide. Hysteria, fears, and greed should not be part of the implementation of this repeal of prohibition. Back in the days of Alcohol Prohibition, the criminal element profited immensely-since it was repealed in the 1930's, the legal liquor market has become well established. A legal Cannabis market in Ohio needs to be given a chance to show it can work-otherwise, the effort to curb people's behavior will continue to fail as it has for many decades. Politically, for the record, I consider myself a Libertarian and I voted for Ron Paul in 2009. I tend to vote for the candidate based on his or her record rather than political party affiliation. I'm dismayed that there are those who wish to score political points by arbitrarily tinkering with a voter passed initiative but that seems to be fashionable during these days of national malaise and dysfunction.

Well, to me this is disappointing. It's looks like an inexcusable attempt to turn a voter passed Cannabis Prohibition-ending amendment inside-out. Not just to thwart the major aims of initiative 2, but to actually craft a bill that for cannabis consumers makes things worse after passage than they were before the passage. On the front page of this effort appears to be a use whatever means necessary to hold off implementation of recreational Pot sales in Ohio for at least a year, if not longer. Second, is an obvious attempt to water down THC potency levels. (I see it as a indirect effort to discourage Marijuana use) States have tried to limit alcoholic contents for beer which have been universally unpopular for Beer consumers. The drastic proposed increase in taxes is designed to hit everyone connected as a consumer or supplier in the wallet-so yet another thinly veiled attempt to discourage Cannabis consumption while unintentionally or not, it results in funneling more money towards illicit sales or sending more Ohio dollars to other more permissive states. I sincerely hope saner minds will prevail but at this point the legislative playbook appears to be continuing to punish Cannabis consumers in every way legally possible. The continuing use of Medical Marijuana is ignored- undoubtedly those opposed in the legislature are in lockstep with those who still believe Cannabis has no medical value whatsoever-yet, there is abundant medical evidence of it's benefits ranging from helping PTSD impacted Veterans to treating neurological and organic brain disorders. On a personal level, I had hoped passage of this measure this might replace the need for the rather expensive Ohio Med. MJ license but unless these radical changes to the voter passed initiative do not make it to the final version, then years of effort towards sensible changes in Ohio Marijuana policy at the state level will go down the proverbial toilet. It changes December 7th from being the potential dawn of a new, more enlightened era, into a regressive draconian legal Frankenstein that makes a mockery of Ohio's good faith voters. The proposed changes are NOT what I voted for and its a dereliction of legislators' duty to attempt to thwart the will of Ohio voters. I realize that our country is in a tug of war between ideological sides in the so called "Cultural Wars" but there was nothing in the No. 2 initiative that called for this insidious assault by political ideologues from the right. Give Cannabis consumers what they voted for-the language of the initiative was unambiguous and plain and the final accepted version considered by the legislature should be as well.

Epilogue The Harrison County News-Herald in Cadiz published a letter to the editor I submitted in the Friday, Nov. 17 edition. (attached) The old Uptown Bank Building is now gone. Efforts now need to be focused on identifying and coming up with plans to preserve those buildings in the business district that have a chance of being saved. Cadiz had a mayor's race on November 7 and R. Kevin Jones is our new mayor-elect to replace longtime Cadiz Mayor John Migliore. Jones is on record with describing our downtown as being in terrible shape but he hasn't offered a plan yet to remedy the situation. I can only hope this does not lead to more recommendations for demolition as we've just lost the only Beaux Arts style building in Cadiz. No plans are in place to replace it with something new. Just as I had feared, there's already growing concerns about the building that was next to the bank building, currently in use as a hair salon. It now has an exposed brick wall where the bank building was and no steps have been taken to stabilize and bolster the vulnerable wall. It would truly be regrettable for the next chapter to be the loss of the entire historic block directly across from the Harrison County Courthouse. My hopes going forward are pinned on the new citizens group to work closely with Village leaders to minimize future losses. The viability of Cadiz as a sustainable community will depend on actions taken in the months and years ahead. I've said this countless times, but a community cannot demolish its way to prosperity. Heaven knows, there are many Ohio communities that have tried that method only to discover that less is not necessarily more.

Thanks for the kind words, Gordon. One thing that bothered me for years was the stereotype of pot smokers as being lazy, self-indulgent hedonists, even thought of as parasites on mainstream society. I came from a family with a strong work ethic and have done everything I could be be a contributing, productive member of society. From my youngest days, I've always had stringent rules about my conduct in private life and my public persona. Not because of shame but because of the legal consequences of Cannabis consumption. Even now with full legalization in Ohio pending, I won't be wearing MJ leaf T-shirts or putting out pro-pot bumper stickers. Perhaps indicative of my situation-I do not have even one friend who is a pot smoker but I have revealed to a couple that I am. In years past, that would have been a topic to avoid entirely in conversations. Nonetheless, I'm respective of other's rights and believe that the freedom to consume Cannabis is a privilege that carries with it responsibilities. I'm hoping in another decade or two, that Cannabis consumers will be considered no different than coffee or tea consumers. My feelings about Cannabis edibles is mixed although for certain every possible measure should be taken to make sure that minors and especially young children do not have access to Cannabis "candy" look-alikes. We already have enough horror stories from so called fentanyl laced "candies" requiring that Cannabis should never be thought of in the same manner.

How well I know that. When my now grown daughter was in Middle School, she came home one day from school in a mischievous mood after a Drug Abuse Resistance Education class and walked into our bedroom and stated, "We were told in class today by the D.A.R.E. officer that if any of us had family members who smoked Pot or used illegal drugs, that we should do them a favor by turning them in so they can get some help". My spouse took our daughter aside, and explained if we were found guilty of Texas MJ prohibition violations she could be taken away from our custody and placed indefinitely in the Foster care system. She said she hadn't thought about that. Afterwards, my spouse and I had a heart to heart conversation and decided the risk was too much so we ceased Cannabis consumption for over 5 years. It wasn't until my work took me out to California that I indulged again. It remained thereafter as an underground, clandestine activity for years until two years ago, after not indulging for over a year, I obtained an Ohio Med. MJ card for a congenital back condition but mainly to help my dying emaciated spouse to regain some appetite. I was disappointed, as the so called "munchies" effects were minimal for my spouse. Cannabis did help to keep her calm and suffering less pain until her liver disease reached the terminal stage. I've continued to consume since her passing and feel it has helped me emotionally to cope with the loss and grief. It definitely helps with my back pain which is what it was prescribed for. I don't agree with the D.A.R.E. officer's statement about death from Cannabis but it sure could get you in serious trouble with the law and ruin your career. Some employers will continue a zero tolerance policy for THC levels in drug tests and in some professions, like airline pilots, heavy equipment operators, or air traffic controllers, that is completely understandable, reasonable, and acceptable. I personally would prefer for airline pilots to not drink alcohol and fly, but as the media frequently reminds us, some do. The tasks of DARE officers hasn't ended with Marijuana legalization. Daily deaths from fentanyl and opioid overdoses continues in Ohio and around the country. Education about drugs still has a valuable role to help young minds understand the real risks from using drugs that can and do end up in fatalities. D.A.R.E. still has a role to play in the post MJ prohibition era. The federal government now needs to re-examine it's Cannabis policies and disengage it from its Schedule 1 DEA classification which puts Cannabis in the same category with Fentanyl, Opioids, and Amphetamines. Of course, since right now keeping the Federal government open and running is a higher priority, I guess reclassifying Weed will have to wait.

Thanks Vintage Life for linking to the Columbus Dispatch article. Although Cannabis can have a variety of different natural fragrances ranging from fruity, sweet-smelling to stinky, so called "skunk" weed, almost universally Cannabis gives off a strong, sometimes unpleasant odor during combustion. The frequent comparison with the odor of burning lawn grass or mattress straw is valid. I respect the rights of others to not be subjected to burning Cannabis smells just as I would if the smoker was burning a cheap fat tobacco cigar. That shouldn't be a problem so long as vaping or smoking occurs at home but is more of an issue when outside the home. I personally always light pleasant smelling incense or scented candles to mask any Cannabis smells. Some places where legal Cannabis has been in effect for years, have explored the idea of Cannabis lounges and bars but I'm not aware of how well they work. I don't anticipate passage of Measure 2 to increase the numbers of children who accidentally ingest Marijuana edibles in the form of candies infused with THC. Thankfully, those children have been treated (in the form of being given time for the effects to wear off) and sent back home. The parents of these kids have a parental duty to guard the safety of their children and that includes keeping Cannabis infused edibles out of their children's reach. The caps on THC content is not really going to change behavior. All strains of Cannabis that I'm aware of have effects thresholds. In other words, smoking more joints isn't necessarily cumulative-at some point, a threshold in the effects of the THC is reached and smoking more won't get you any higher. Unlike alcohol, trying to play Cheech & Chong by chain smoking won't take you to a higher level. Very high levels of THC in the blood stream can put some people into a catatonic like state of stupor or sleep but most consumers I've known over the years prefer a level of effects that makes you more relaxed and enjoying the experience. Those who over indulge are likely to fall asleep on the couch instead of engaging in scintillating conversations. Thankfully, unlike alcohol, smoking Marijuana doesn't give you a hangover although it's impact on lungs can't be called beneficial or therapeutic. Driving under the influence remains illegal, as it should be. Taxes collected from the sale of Cannabis products should be used in ways that are determined to be helpful such as more money to educate young minds about the dangers of hard drugs. THC levels for plant material should remain uncapped as I'd rather consume less of a higher THC level product than more of a lower THC content version. Edibles probably need more content regulation as they can take much longer to take effect and can fool some into consuming more than they should and ending up feeling worse. In 2014, New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd traveled to Colorado and had a negative personal experience of over-indulgence with a Cannabis laced chocolate bar. (BBC article https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-echochambers-27704837 ) Hence, I think edibles should have THC caps unlike smoking or vaping plant material which provide small constant doses of THC over short periods of time making it much easier to choose when enough is enough. In social settings where MJ consumers gather, as the Doobs, or bongs make the rounds, eventually, some will politely say no thanks, I've had enough, and will pass it on. With edibles, you've ingested a stated on the package amount, and have no control over how it will affect you. From the Columbus article, it looks like supply availability is going to take a while although if I understand it correctly, Measure 2 becomes effective on December 7th.

Thanks, that's good to know. I received a Nov. 8 newsletter (see attached partial newsletter) from the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program notifying recipients of upcoming changes following passage of Measure 2. A new State Division of Cannabis Control will become part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. It appears that the timeline rollout for implementing the changes and making recreational Marijuana available, (I personally do not like either of those words-I've not heard of alcohol being referred to as "recreational" except by college freshmen) is within 9 months. That sounds optimistic to me but since there is money waiting to be made, perhaps the announced time-frame is realistic.

Thanks for the explanation. Seems that things are fairly fluid at this point and no one has mentioned the Governor having veto power on this issue so I assume maybe a year from now something will be up and running. May I remind our State legislators, now that the measure has passed, there's a good chance Ohio customers-in-waiting until legal vendors open up they will simply go across the border to Michigan, stock up there, and leave their money behind to enrich Michigan's tax coffers. (and Michigan Cannabis vendors) Unless there's some nefarious plan to derail implementation of Measure 2, it would be to the State of Ohio's advantage to respond promptly to the will of our voters who by a majority chose to legalize Marijuana in our State. Some jobs are bound to be created from this change in law. Everyone knows someone who might play a role in this expanding industry. I envision a market for suppliers of indoor growing equipment as permitted by law. I'm not sure outdoor growing will be allowed but I would discourage it as when I lived in Sonoma County, CA, in a rural area, efforts to cultivate a few MJ plants went well until local deer raided it one night. They nibbled away almost the entire plant. Ohio has far more deer on the loose than California. Then there's the issue of "neighbors" eyeing pot plants growing in adjacent back yards. Among those could be minors-no need to explain further. I look forward to an exciting time in the months ahead. I believe tourism in Ohio will continue to expand in the future. However, I'm unsure if pot legalization will have any impact on that sector. When Colorado was at the forefront of Cannabis legalization there sprang up a unique phenomenon called "Pot Tourism" but now that almost half of the states have legalized non-medical Marijuana use, I surmise its role in Colorado tourism has faded. Keeping my fingers crossed that implementation of measure 2 will go smoothly and will be codefied by legislators essentially as it was written.

Today is a good day to be an Ohioan. The Buckeye state now joins 23 other states in legalizing non-medically prescribed Marijuana use by adults over age 21. I think a major factor in the measure passing by a healthy margin was due to the success of the existing Ohio Medical Marijuana/Cannabis program. The system has worked as intended for the Medical program and there haven't been irregularities or any signs that State government oversight hasn't effectively done its job. I expect the tax and regulate measure's passage will now head for legislative fine tuning before becoming State law. Does Gov. Dewine have the authority to veto the measure? Even if he does, he won't increase his support among Democratic or Republican voters by trying to thwart the measure. Abortion is a major issue and I expect those opposed to reproductive rights will continue in their fight against it in the legal system. However, the expansion to increase the Marijuana program isn't as strongly opposed by either political party as reproductive rights are. Does anyone have a clue as to what will happen next? Will the State legislature take up this issue soon or what path will be followed into making it Ohio law? Asked differently, will recreational MJ be available January 1st, (2024) sometime next year, or when? I expect the State will issue guidelines and details about the final version of the measure before it becomes State law. I always have and always will respect the rights of those who oppose Cannabis use, but I do hope they will try to learn more about it and realize that nearly all of their Cannabis consuming neighbors take their duties and responsibilities just as seriously as they do. Unlike with highly addictive drugs, Cannabis users are keenly aware of the experience and can consciously regulate their behavior accordingly. (almost the opposite of alcohol effects) I can and do regularly take breaks-days and even weeks-between times of consumption. I totally abstained for over five years when my kids were young and could again should I wish to do so. My philosophy has always been moderation in all things including Cannabis/Marijuana. I know there are people who develop problems with Cannabis use and I think they should seek help if they have a dependency problem or whenever their use negatively impacts their relationships with others. The new measure has provisions in it for treatment and this could benefit those who may have dependency problems. While passage this measure is a welcome change it may take decades or even generations for the stigma associated with Cannabis use and overcoming the decades of hysterical, politically driven scare tactics, to fade away. I probably won't live long enough to see that happen but then when I was in my 20's I never envisioned Pot ever becoming legal in this country. Nowadays, mainstream TV cooking shows feature Cannabis being used as food seasoning. Only in a free country like ours could something like this ever happen.

Yesterday, I was notified that at last Friday's CIC (Community Improvement Corporation) meeting in Cadiz, options for saving the uptown bank building were deemed too expensive and a unanimous vote to go ahead with the old Bank Building's demolition was approved. Therefore, beginning Monday, November 6, the bank structure will be demolished leaving another vacant lot in our downtown streetscape. I wasn't involved in the search for redevelopment bids but I was told they were twice as high as it would be to construct a new building on the site. Better to try and fail than to do nothing, IMO. A new Sheriff's Department building and county Jail broke ground this past summer and already some are speaking out about the need to demolish the 1909 Neo-Classical structure when the department moves to the outskirts of town. The Cadiz mayor's election vote is on Tuesday and in the local newspaper, none of the four candidates expressed interest in historic preservation. The incumbent, Mayor John Migliore, was mildly sympathetic about saving our shrinking downtown in a newspaper interview, so he'll get my vote on Tuesday. Even though Historic Preservation has a demonstrated track record of economic success, it's still an uphill battle because of embedded old beliefs about the benefits of urban renewal. The economic realities of the 1950's are not the same in the 2000's. I can only hope in the years to come that others will become more enlightened.

Wow! Well, this is almost a case of being careful about what you wish for. As a Victorian architectural enthusiast of many years, all I can say is that all of the designs pass the authenticity "sniff" test. That first mansion easily fits into the Queen Anne category with Italianate style arched top windows and a prominent tower which is obligatory for that style. The scale and proportions are perfect which is sometimes tricky to do with Victorian era houses. The streetlamps, cobble stone pavement, and landscaping are spot on as well. I'm impressed! Moving on now to the next image, the gardens and conservatories are a bit "dreamy" looking but also authentic. The large conservatory is reminiscent in design to the famous London Crystal Palace in the 1850's. In fact, the more I look at it, the whole composition reminds me of the printed trade cards from the Victorian era which would have idyllic scenes featuring daily life. Nice. Next is a palatial ballroom of the type that Europeans of the Victorian era danced to the music of Waltzes. The saturated colors are authentic to Victorian era prints and paintings as well. The blues in the stained glass dome and the painting over the fireplace nicely balance the reds which is amazing considering that a machine came up with the composition. I think the last composition is the most satisfying. I recognize the skyscraper backdrop as probably Cincinnati inspired. The thoroughfare with the grand Victorian apartments/condos is one I wish could come true. Of course, today's labor and materials costs would make such picturesque street scenery unlikely but I can almost promise you every space would be rented, owned, or leased if such a thing existed. After contemplating on this for a while, it nags me to think that AI can come up with more aesthetically pleasing designs than many human architects or designers could. I'm aware of some of the risks associated with the new technology but at least this aspect offers a lot of promise, in my opinion. Thanks for taking the time to come up with these renderings and sharing them.

Interesting to see the blend of International style and historicism with the classical colonnaded entry. The blend is kind of a look towards tomorrow as well as to the past. I would almost be afraid to ask an AI program to design a house or building with Victorian architectural details-then again, depending on which archival design sources were used, the results might be as interesting as this example. Thanks for sharing.

The Plain Dealer newspaper in Cleveland has now endorsed passage (vote Yes) of Issue 2 in the November 7th election. Here's the full editorial from Cleveland dot com and The Plain Dealer: https://www.cleveland.com/opinion/2023/10/yes-on-issue-2-legalizing-recreational-marijuana-endorsement-editorial.html The Columbus Dispatch/Spectrum News hosted a discussion on the issue recently with a town hall type Q & A session with those favoring and opposed to the issue: https://uw-media.dispatch.com/embed/video/71112054007?placement=snow-embed The distraught mother who claims she lost her young daughter 12 years ago to a Marijuana impaired driver is justly upset but some of her claims are unproven. High speed was involved in the tragic accident-no mention was made as to whether the driver was also under the influence of alcohol or any other substances that could cause impaired driving and judgement. No matter, the overwhelming majority of those who use medical Cannabis do not drive while under the influence. Since driving under those conditions will always be illegal, (and dangerous) passage or non-passage of Issue 2, will not change anything in that regard. One state politician and the grieving Mother both maintained because Marijuana/Cannabis is still on the Nixon era Federal DEA Schedule I (the most dangerous category) list, it proves how "dangerous" Cannabis actually is. People die from overdoses of Opioids and amphetamines which can both be highly addictive. Zero deaths has been directly caused by Cannabis use. Those who know the history of Cannabis use in the U.S. know that as part of the get tough on crime movement during the 1930's "facts" were made up solely to sway public opinion away from keeping it legal to including it with hard drugs known to be dangerous and fatal. If the same sensible approach to regulation is taken towards the adult legal use of Cannabis/Marijuana (as has been for the Ohio Medical MJ program for years) then I expect it will benefit everyone involved.

Perhaps so, but if that $403 million in tax revenue becomes true, then that same amount of money will not be going into the coffers of criminal enterprises as the "informal" unregulated market currently does. The millions spent on drug enforcement efforts can be directed towards more serious crimes. If it does not pass on November 7, then those who purchase Cannabis on the illicit market will continue funneling money into the underground economy which includes foreign based drug cartels. I do think the State should vigorously protect the Ohio based legal grower/suppliers who generate in-state jobs and provide still more taxes on the state and federal levels. The current Ohio Med MJ market is well regulated and safe because patients know exactly what they are getting and their product quality is tested and assured. I would expect any expansion into a recreational MJ market would be just as well regulated as the medical Cannabis market has been up to this point. In summary, I completely agree that Ohio should insist on in-state licensed suppliers. The location where it's grown is less important than the Cannabis strain being grown. The technology for indoor growing has been around for decades and there's no reason why the same strain grown in Ohio shouldn't be as good, if not better, than one grown out in California. My apologies to some, but I'm bullish on Ohio produced Cannabis and I feel it is second to none. I plan to vote Yes on Nov. 7th.

As those with Medical MJ prescriptions know, all plant products legally sold in Ohio are flowers/buds only without so called "shake" including leaves, stems, or seeds. Although I've been prescribed for only two years, I'm amazed at the sheer variety of edibles, tinctures, resins, as well as the two main Cannabis strains of Indica and Sativa including hybrids of the two. (I personally prefer Sativa although Indica strains are preferred for those looking for sleep aid effects.) If the November measure passes, those wishing to grow their own will need seeds or clones to do so. (not to mention indoor lighting, equipment and growing space.) Will a plant seeds market or cloned cuttings market open up after the measure passes? Another consideration is plant gender. Only the female plants produce flowers. (although male plants are needed for producing seeds) Just as those who drink alcohol have favorites (i.e. Jim Beam; Jack Daniels) there are Cannabis connoisseurs as well. Ohio produces some excellent quality medical grade Cannabis in the Sativa strain. Two consistently excellent quality products come from Woodward, (Named after Dr. William Woodward, a strong Cannabis supporter in the 1930's who advocated keeping it legal on medical grounds) Here's what they grow and sell: https://www.woodwardfc.com/#products Their Grapehead and Banana Mac Sativas are my favorites. I believe they are based in Ohio. (Akron?) Another favorite brand is Riviera Creek based in Youngstown; their list of products is more extensive: https://rivieracreek.com/flower/ In the honorable mention category is Buckeye Relief, and a number of others. Therefore, converting from medical only to medical and recreational should not be difficult should the measure pass in November. I recall when there was the first effort at legalization in Ohio over a decade ago. The concern back then was the out of state (monopolies-even big Tobacco companies) operators would take over the Ohio market and the measure went down in defeat. A number of years passed, and finally Cannabis prescribed for medical use was legalized. I would be interested to know what anyone thinks about the future of legal Cannabis is? Will the current largely all Ohio grown Cannabis businesses remain or will the multinational Big Pharma or Tobacco companies come in, take over, and dominate the markets? All in all, this is an interesting time in the world of Cannabis, locally, nationally, and even internationally. As far as social acceptance, that topic is much more complicated but thankfully, we are now light years away from the old Reefer Madness mentality of the past.

As far as I know, the process for concentrating Cannabis oils is the same whether it's done in a licensed lab or clandestinely. The local dispensary in Wintersville carries both the "butter" and the more solid "shatter" resins in more than one brand. Interestingly, CBS's Sunday Morning show carried a segment on cooking with Cannabis today. The edible Cannabis market is as large as the market for flower buds used for vaping. BTW, it is illegal in Ohio to smoke Cannabis, only vaping is permitted for medical MJ patients. If the recreational Pot measure passes in November, then it would be legal for adults over 21 to smoke.

I'm afraid I can take little credit for getting to this point. Credit should go to those people who have tried for several years to find a solution to the highly endangered Bank building. In fact, I announced to everyone I could that I would not be at the vote meeting so as to not influence or bias anyone's vote. Several people have come forward in recent weeks to publicly support this effort. A local restaurant owner put out a petition board for patrons to signs and collected over 60 signatures on the first weekend. In a Village like Cadiz, that is an impressive number. "Outsiders" stand up in small towns at their own peril. A very informative article by an academic explains how newcomers are often treated in small tight knit communities: https://theconversation.com/why-do-small-rural-communities-often-shun-newcomers-even-when-they-need-them-199984

I think those campaigning against Cannabis recreational use legalization aren't looking at all of the pros and cons. They surely have their heads in the sand if they think the "informal" market was better for society than a legal one. The illegal/"informal" market is completely unregulated and only controlled (somewhat) by the efforts of law enforcement authorities. A high school weed dealer is just as likely to offer buyers other illegal drugs. Licensed Cannabis shops can only sell Cannabis products that meet stringent State regulated requirements, and are properly labeled for weight and THC content. Containers are clearly marked with warnings and cautions, unlike the cheap sandwich baggies fetched from a backpack. Street bought weed isn't always clean or pure; it could also have been illegally grown in national parks by undocumented aliens working for drug cartels. All the money from the illicit growing enterprises goes into the Cartel coffers enabling criminals to gain and exercise power. A legal supply and retail market directs profits towards specific purposes like education, treatment, and regulation. In summary, most would agree a legal market is better regulated and controlled than an illegal market. Marijuana consumption is still considered a vice and intensely disliked by some but better taxed and regulated to help minimize the societal damages some claim that Cannabis causes. By not allowing legal status, it puts Pot in the same boat with dangerous opioid drugs being sold by the same people who sell them. I never have and I never will insist on anyone trying or using Cannabis no more than I would encourage someone to take up cigarette smoking, gambling, or alcohol drinking. Given that unlike Tobacco or alcohol, Marijuana has demonstrable medical uses, to be paranoid about it becoming legal, taxed, monitored, and REGULATED, seems irrational. Nothing is stopping a high schooler from going over to a known drug seller and scoring whatever he wants (unless apprehended by law enforcement) but a high school kid going into a Cannabis dispensary will get carded and immediately shown the door.

You're probably right. I'm old enough to remember when MTV videos killed the radio star and broadcast non-stop music videos. Now their main claim to fame seems to be Ridiculousness.