Great news! I thought this thing was dead. I look forward to voting for this. And for the organizers: please do NOT settle for whatever stupid version the OH legislature proposes. 
 

 

Attn: Ohio. Here's how not to do marijuana legalization (see California)

 

Inside California's cannabis crisis

Small farms are facing extinction under oppressive regulations, high taxes, and a statewide collapse in cannabis pricing

Mary Jane Gibson

 

https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Inside-California-s-Cannabis-Crisis-16935780.php

I signed the petition to get this on the ballot but it HAS to be done right. It could be very beneficial to the state in so many ways. But please, restrict it to residence (private) use only!! I live in the city and already have to smell pot most always. It gets old, and I guess I say that as an old crotchety person who has never smoked it and doesn’t plan on it regardless of the outcome. 
 

 

41 minutes ago, richNcincy said:

I signed the petition to get this on the ballot but it HAS to be done right. It could be very beneficial to the state in so many ways. But please, restrict it to residence (private) use only!! I live in the city and already have to smell pot most always. It gets old, and I guess I say that as an old crotchety person who has never smoked it and doesn’t plan on it regardless of the outcome. 
 

 

 

But when you retire, I'll be giving you your first puff as a gift!

The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol aims to get recreational marijuana on next years ballot. General assembly considering expanding medical. 

 

https://www.cleveland.com/news/2022/11/ohio-recreational-marijuana-backers-eye-2023-ballot-as-legislature-looks-at-expanding-medical-marijuana.html

Marijuana Legalization Could Appear on Ohio Ballot in 2023

 

In their first and likely only hearings of the session, two adult use marijuana measures came up last week in a House committee. The proposals — one Republican and one Democratic — aren’t going anywhere this year. Sponsors remain optimistic about their chances in the next session, but even they acknowledge any change may have to happen at the ballot.

 

An adult use marijuana initiative also could appear on next November’s ballot.

 

Courtesy hearings

 

“Clearly these two bills are having a courtesy hearing for sponsor testimony,” Rep. Jamie Callender, R-Concord, told committee members of his measure and a similar proposal from Rep. Casey Weinstein, D-Hudson.

 

“I do expect that there will definitely be a ballot initiative next year,” Callender added. “And I intend to, and I’m sure others intend to reintroduce very similar legislation (so) that we can have more hearings and bring in expert witnesses next year.”

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/marijuana-legalization-could-appear-on-ohio-ballot-in-2023-ocj1/

 

Will Ohio Vote to Legalize Pot in November?

 

Ohioans could vote to legalize recreational marijuana later this year. 

 

But there are still hoops to jump through to get such a proposal on the November ballot.

 

The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol has a proposal that would legalize and regulate the cultivation, manufacturing, testing and sale of marijuana to Ohioans 21 and up. It would also legalize home grow for Ohioans 21 and up with a limit of six plants per person and 12 plants per residence. The proposal would also impose a 10% tax at the point of sale for each transaction. 

 

Ohio lawmakers had until last Wednesday to pass the law, but that’s not likely to happen. If no action is taken on the proposed law, supporters can start collecting signatures to get the proposal on the ballot. The coalition would need to get about 124,000 signatures from registered voters from 44 of Ohio’s 88 counties before the July 5 deadline. The coalition submitted the proposal through an initiated statute, the legal process citizens can use to propose changes in state law. 

 

Tom Haren, a spokesman for the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, is confident the proposal will not only get on the ballot, but that Ohio voters will legalize marijuana.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/will-ohio-vote-to-legalize-pot-in-november-ocj1/

 

“Ohio Adult Use Act” Could Legalize Marijuana if Passed

 

Ohioans 21 and older would be able to cultivate, purchase and possess marijuana if a bipartisan bill passes in the Ohio Statehouse.

 

State Reps. Jamie Callender, R-Concord, and Casey Weinstein, D-Hudson, introduced House Bill 168 — also known as the Ohio Adult Use Act — last month. 

 

The bill would also allow conviction records for prior cultivation and possession offenses to be expunged. 

 

“Adult-use is good for our economy, good for our justice system, and the right thing to do,” Weinstein said in a news release. “Ohioans are ready to legalize cannabis.” 

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/ohio-adult-use-act-could-legalize-marijuana-if-passed-ocj1/

 

For the record, Frank LaRose recently mentioned marijuana legalization as one of the motivators in the August special election amendment process change. Just another reason to vote no. 

Now that the August 8 super-majority threshold requirement bill was soundly defeated,  that puts the MJ legalization initiative up for our vote in November, right?  I suppose since so many states have legalized recreational MJ (23 or 24?) does anyone think the measure will pass here in November? My connection to this issue is having a valid Ohio Medical MJ card/license/prescription for the past two years while noting how expensive the medical grade Cannabis is.  I know some of the surrounding states like Illinois and Michigan have had fully legal Cannabis markets for several years and it would seem keeping recreational MJ illegal only sends money across state borders and to illicit suppliers in the underground economy without oversight or accountability. (until they are caught) There has been little space in the media about this issue in November. I'm only curious to learn if others, better informed, might have some insight into what the prospects are of the measure passing? I have read that at the State level more resources are being given to the department responsible for regulating and overseeing MJ in Ohio. Does this mean at the State government level they are expecting full legalization in November or just that the numbers of Ohio medical Cannabis patients has grown significantly in our State? I recall the Ohio legalization efforts going back many years and were discussed here.

43 minutes ago, John S. said:

Now that the August 8 super-majority threshold requirement bill was soundly defeated,  that puts the MJ legalization initiative up for our vote in November, right?  I suppose since so many states have legalized recreational MJ (23 or 24?) does anyone think the measure will pass here in November? My connection to this issue is having a valid Ohio Medical MJ card/license/prescription for the past two years while noting how expensive the medical grade Cannabis is.  I know some of the surrounding states like Illinois and Michigan have had fully legal Cannabis markets for several years and it would seem keeping recreational MJ illegal only sends money across state borders and to illicit suppliers in the underground economy without oversight or accountability. (until they are caught) There has been little space in the media about this issue in November. I'm only curious to learn if others, better informed, might have some insight into what the prospects are of the measure passing? I have read that at the State level more resources are being given to the department responsible for regulating and overseeing MJ in Ohio. Does this mean at the State government level they are expecting full legalization in November or just that the numbers of Ohio medical Cannabis patients has grown significantly in our State? I recall the Ohio legalization efforts going back many years and were discussed here.

The marijuana reform is legislation, not an amendment, so it isn’t impacted by Issue 1. (Even if Issue 1 had passed, marijuana reform would have still only required 50% +1 vote to pass.) The thing that had been holding it up was a sufficient number of signatures, and that has now happened. It will be on the ballot in November. I haven’t seen recent polling, but I would be stunned if this specific marijuana reform fails. In theory the state legislature could overrule the marijuana referendum by passing a new law after that election, but I’d be surprised if they do that. (This is why it’s important for the ability for voters to directly amend the constitution - the state legislature can NOT directly override an amendment.) The marijuana reform will establish a regulation system similar to alcohol in Ohio.

Here’s more info on the marijuana reform bill:

https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2023/08/21/what-would-recreational-marijuana-in-ohio-look-like/

 

https://x.com/dc_dewitt/status/1693590017602392405?s=61&t=8m6OVkUD6kdclFnJD1n_Lg
 

Ohioans Will Vote on Recreational Marijuana in November

 

A proposed recreational marijuana law will be on Ohio’s November ballot after all. 

 

The Secretary of State’s office verified 4,405 additional valid petition signatures — bringing the grand total to 127,772, Secretary of State Frank LaRose said Wednesday in a letter to the campaign. 124,046 signatures were needed.

 

The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol’s statute initiative would legalize and regulate cultivation, manufacturing, testing and sale of marijuana to Ohioans 21 and up. It would also legalize home grow for Ohioans 21 and up with a limit of six plants per person and 12 plants per residence, and impose a 10% tax at the point of sale for each transaction

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/ohioans-will-vote-on-recreational-marijuana-in-november-ocj1/

Thanks to everyone for sharing the links and updates. The Ohio Capital Journal article was an interesting read. I've never seen illegal MJ sales quite described the way they did: (while) "others purchase marijuana in informal markets currently." Almost as humorous was their serious conclusion that legalizing Cannabis in Ohio could somehow lead to increased consumption.  Allowing folks to cultivate six plants at home could have interesting consequences. (and spawn a cottage home growing industry for lights and supplies)  When I lived for two years in Northern California, I saw Cannabis plants the size of bushes with heavy yields so bountiful that Cheech & Chong couldn't keep up with the output. (I also noticed in CA that deer like to eat the plants growing outside)  I wonder if the six plants per person allowance part passes, will those growing their own have to pay for grower tags or obtain a license to cultivate? I guess the answers will come after the Nov. vote if the measure passes. If passage of the measure results in increased availability and lower prices, I'm all for it and will vote accordingly. What will come next-April 20th ("420") being declared a national holiday or MTV creating a "Pot TV" channel?  Will Cannabis become so socially acceptable in another generation or two that it will be considered as American as Motherhood and Apple Pie? It wasn't too many years ago that Cannabis, Pot/MJ, was still in the dark Reefer Madness days of nationwide prohibition. At some point, the Federal Govt. is going to have to listen to the will of the people and take Cannabis out of the War on Drugs. (where it never should have been in the first place) The medical value of Cannabis has been known since antiquity.

2 hours ago, John S. said:

Thanks to everyone for sharing the links and updates. The Ohio Capital Journal article was an interesting read. I've never seen illegal MJ sales quite described the way they did: (while) "others purchase marijuana in informal markets currently." Almost as humorous was their serious conclusion that legalizing Cannabis in Ohio could somehow lead to increased consumption.  Allowing folks to cultivate six plants at home could have interesting consequences. (and spawn a cottage home growing industry for lights and supplies)  When I lived for two years in Northern California, I saw Cannabis plants the size of bushes with heavy yields so bountiful that Cheech & Chong couldn't keep up with the output. (I also noticed in CA that deer like to eat the plants growing outside)  I wonder if the six plants per person allowance part passes, will those growing their own have to pay for grower tags or obtain a license to cultivate? I guess the answers will come after the Nov. vote if the measure passes. If passage of the measure results in increased availability and lower prices, I'm all for it and will vote accordingly. What will come next-April 20th ("420") being declared a national holiday or MTV creating a "Pot TV" channel?  Will Cannabis become so socially acceptable in another generation or two that it will be considered as American as Motherhood and Apple Pie? It wasn't too many years ago that Cannabis, Pot/MJ, was still in the dark Reefer Madness days of nationwide prohibition. At some point, the Federal Govt. is going to have to listen to the will of the people and take Cannabis out of the War on Drugs. (where it never should have been in the first place) The medical value of Cannabis has been known since antiquity.

I live just south of Michigan, and personally, the availability of so many shops 10 minutes from my house did radically increase my consumption to the point that I couldn't stop for quite some time. Michigan, and particularly the region north of Toledo, has seen a proliferation of pot shops to the degree that prices have dropped to about $50/oz - about a fourth of what I was paying on the "informal market" before 2019. I really did appreciate being able to go into a shop and choose (assuming they knew what they had) from different strains, but I think it is likely and predictable that legalized market will increase consumption. Maybe for most folks it'll stay an occasional pleasure, but for me it became a rather nasty habit that I've had to quit. 

4 hours ago, John S. said:

I wonder if the six plants per person allowance part passes, will those growing their own have to pay for grower tags or obtain a license to cultivate? I guess the answers will come after the Nov. vote if the measure passes.

 

Quote

Section 3780.29. Home Grow.
(A) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, and notwithstanding any other provision of the
Revised Code, the following acts by an adult use consumer are lawful:
    (1) Cultivating, growing, and possessing not more than six cannabis plants at the individual’s
primary residence, if all of the following apply:
        (a) Not more than twelve cannabis plants are cultivated or grown at a single residence where two
or more individuals who are at least twenty-one years of age reside at any one time; and
        (b) Cultivation or growing of adult use cannabis only takes place within a secured closet, room,
greenhouse, or other enclosed area in or on the grounds of the residence that prevents access by
individuals less than twenty-one years of age, and which is not visible by normal unaided vision
from a public space.
    (2) Processing by manual or mechanical means adult use cannabis cultivated or grown in
accordance with this section; or
    (3) Transferring up to six cannabis plants to an adult use consumer as long as the transfer is
without remuneration and not advertised or promoted to the public.
(B) An adult use consumer may store at their primary residence adult use cannabis that was
purchased from an adult use dispensary licensed under this chapter or produced in compliance
with this section.
(C) This section does not authorize an individual to:
    (1) Cultivate, grow, or process adult use cannabis except at the individual’s primary residence;
    (2) Permit individuals less than twenty-one years of age to use, cultivate, process, transfer, or
transport adult use cannabis;
    (3) Process adult use cannabis by hydrocarbon-based extraction; or
    (4) Sell, or profit from, adult use cannabis except as specifically authorized in this chapter.
(D) A landlord may prohibit conduct otherwise authorized under division (A) this section so long
as such prohibition is included in the applicable lease agreement.
(E) The division of cannabis control shall adopt rules setting forth a schedule of civil penalties
that may be applied for violations of this section.
(F) If an individual cultivates or grows double the maximum number of cannabis plants
permitted under division (A) of this section or transfers cannabis plants in violation of division
(A)(3) of this section, division (F) of section 3780.99 of the Revised Code shall apply.

 

No additional licensing will be required for home grow, which is similar to how it works with homebrewing wine or beer.  Assuming that this is also enforced similarly to homebrew for beer or wine, the limit on production amounts and sales will essentially be unmonitored, with nobody checking on home growers activities.  The rub would be if someone gets caught being stupid i.e.- advertising their home grown stuff online, or selling it out in the open.  It happens.  I've seen more than a few people try to pass off their homemade beer/wine as if they were a brewery/winery without getting licensed, and if they were to get caught they could end up in quite a lot of trouble, including significant difficulties if they decided they did want to get legitimately licensed in the future.

 

What is meant by processing cannabis by hydrocarbon based extraction?  Would that be making cannabis oil?

6 hours ago, John S. said:

What will come next-April 20th ("420") being declared a national holiday or MTV creating a "Pot TV" channel?  

 

If MTV did it the network would start out with pot content 24/7 but it wouldn't be long until it devolved into something totally unrelated such as a slideshow of AI-generated memes.

Here are the Groups Opposing Marijuana Legalization in Ohio

 

An initiated statute will appear on November’s ballot in Ohio asking voters whether to legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and over. Less than an hour after the organization backing the effort announced it cleared the bar, a group opposing the marijuana measure made its presence known.

 

And the name might sound familiar.

 

As with August’s proposal to make it harder to amend Ohio’s constitution and November’s measure for reproductive rights, the organization spearheading the anti-marijuana campaign presents itself as ‘protecting’ Ohioans.

 

Protect Our Constitution, Protect Our Kids and Protect Women Ohio, meet Protect Ohio Workers and Families. Cincinnati attorney David Langdon had a hand in setting up each one.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/here-are-the-groups-opposing-marijuana-legalization-in-ohio/

^ What, the Center for Christian Virtue? That can't be a real thing. 

 

 

its going to happen eventually, but whatever happens, do not legalize it before rules and process are well in place.

 

nys is a freaking disaster area mess over that.

 

however, nj did it right with no problems, albeit very slow rollout.

 

i dont smoke and hate being high, thats for middle schoolers lol, but i do the gummies on occasion and have them around at home.

 

eating just a quarter gummy at like 9pm really helps with sleep.

11 hours ago, surfohio said:

^ What, the Center for Christian Virtue? That can't be a real thing. 

 

The same people bringing Tucker Carlson to Cleveland for a fundraising event.

40 minutes ago, GISguy said:

 

The same people bringing Tucker Carlson to Cleveland for a fundraising event.

 

since when is that guy a christian, much less a virtuous one - and they want to shovel money at him? what for? more divisiveness and sedition?

 

i bet he smokes weed tho. 

12 hours ago, surfohio said:

^ What, the Center for Christian Virtue? That can't be a real thing. 

 

 

Same s**tty company that has their offices right across the street from the state house. That way they can discuss policy , ie pay off, all the trash in the state house. 

15 hours ago, ColDayMan said:

Here are the Groups Opposing Marijuana Legalization in Ohio

 

An initiated statute will appear on November’s ballot in Ohio asking voters whether to legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and over. Less than an hour after the organization backing the effort announced it cleared the bar, a group opposing the marijuana measure made its presence known.

 

And the name might sound familiar.

 

As with August’s proposal to make it harder to amend Ohio’s constitution and November’s measure for reproductive rights, the organization spearheading the anti-marijuana campaign presents itself as ‘protecting’ Ohioans.

 

Protect Our Constitution, Protect Our Kids and Protect Women Ohio, meet Protect Ohio Workers and Families. Cincinnati attorney David Langdon had a hand in setting up each one.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/here-are-the-groups-opposing-marijuana-legalization-in-ohio/

 

How about Protect Ohio From this Asswipe Trying to Force Monoculture on Ohio.

 

Way too many bored lawyers in Cincinnati. 

DeWine's against it: 

https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2023/08/22/ohio-republicans-split-on-marijuana-legalization-and-could-repeal-proposal-the-day-after-it-passes/

On 8/21/2023 at 6:49 PM, X said:

What is meant by processing cannabis by hydrocarbon based extraction?  Would that be making cannabis oil?

 

Butane is used to concentrate Cannabis oils and turn it into solid resin, often called "shatter" because it solidifies and breaks easily. Another form is more fluid and sometimes called "butter". These concentrates can have very high levels of THC and/or CBDs. (the psychoactive ingredients in Cannabis)

On 8/21/2023 at 9:03 PM, GCrites said:

 

If MTV did it the network would start out with pot content 24/7 but it wouldn't be long until it devolved into something totally unrelated such as a slideshow of AI-generated memes.

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.

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.

3 hours ago, John S. said:

 

Butane is used to concentrate Cannabis oils and turn it into solid resin, often called "shatter" because it solidifies and breaks easily. Another form is more fluid and sometimes called "butter". These concentrates can have very high levels of THC and/or CBDs. (the psychoactive ingredients in Cannabis)

 

This is different then the cannabis oils or butters that some people make edibles with?

17 hours ago, X said:

 

This is different then the cannabis oils or butters that some people make edibles with?

 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.

8 hours ago, John S. said:

 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.

 

OK, that makes sense.  I suppose that concentrating and then making edibles introduces a whole host of other issues around proper identification and concentration control that they don't want home growers messing with.  Similarly, you are allowed to home brew beer, but not to distill it into whiskey, because of the things that can go dangerously wrong.

Here’s How Marijuana Legalization Will Appear on the Ballot in November

 

The Ohio Ballot Board unanimously voted Thursday to solidify the language voters will see for the proposed recreational marijuana law in the November election.

 

The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol is backing the ballot proposal which would legalize and regulate cultivation, manufacturing, testing and the sale of marijuana to Ohioans 21 and up. It would also legalize home grow for Ohioans 21 and up with a limit of six plants per person and 12 plants per residence, and impose a 10% tax at the point of sale for each transaction. 

 

“Unanimous approval by the bipartisan ballot board should assure voters that ‘What they see is what they’ll get’,” Coalition to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol spokesperson Tom Haren said in a statement. “That means: hundreds of millions of dollars in new revenue and stringent regulation like we already have in our existing medical marijuana market. We are looking forward to putting the illicit market out of business this November.”

 

The proposal will be State Issue 2 on the Nov. 7 election.

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/heres-how-marijuana-legalization-will-appear-on-the-ballot-in-november-ocj1/

 

What Marijuana Legalization Could Mean for Ohio Cultivation Businesses

 

Thousands of marijuana plants grow in a highly controlled environment from seed to harvest at a cultivation facility in Buckeye Lake. 

 

PharmaCann, Inc., a Level I medical marijuana cultivation facility, harvests 36 times a year in Licking County. 

 

“Everything’s controlled,” PharmaCann Manager of Cultivation Tommy Black said. “Everything from the light, the light’s intensity to the humidity (and) temperature … to make sure the plants have the right environment.”

 

Ohio cultivation facilities like PharmaCann could potentially be harvesting marijuana for recreational use if a proposed November ballot initiative passes. Existing medical marijuana cultivators and dispensaries would have the ability to obtain an adult-use license if voters approve the ballot, said Coalition to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol spokesperson Tom Haren. They are backing the ballot initiative.

 

“The process is not automatic,” he said. “There is an application process.”

 

The initiative would legalize and regulate cultivation, manufacturing, testing and the sale of marijuana to Ohioans 21 and up. It would also legalize home grow for Ohioans 21 and up with a limit of six plants per person and 12 plants per residence, and impose a 10% tax at the point of sale for each transaction. 

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/what-marijuana-legalization-could-mean-for-ohio-cultivation-businesses-ocj1/

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.

 

 

Recreational pot in Ohio could generate hundreds of millions in taxes, report says

 

The state of Ohio could collect $276 million to $403 million in marijuana excise and state sales taxes by the fifth year of operating an adult recreational market, should voters pass a legalization initiative this November, Ohio State University researchers estimated.

 

In the second year as the program ramps up, excise taxes could range from $182 million to $218 million – on top of any local sales tax and increased taxes on income, property and commercial activities that result from an expansion beyond the state's current medical marijuana program, according to a report from the Drug Enforcement and Policy Center at OSU Moritz College of Law. The range of results depend on several factors including how competitive prices are with neighboring Michigan and the rate of sales growth.

 

"Whatever tax structure is adopted, our analysis suggests it is reasonable to predict that Ohio would collect hundreds of millions in annual cannabis tax revenues from a mature adult-use cannabis market," the report said. "But the amount of tax revenue collected would likely still represent a small percentage of Ohio’s $60-plus billion annual budget."

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2023/09/11/ohio-recreational-marijuana-ballot-tax-projections.html

 

On 8/30/2023 at 12:41 PM, John S. said:

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.

 

 

 

yeah you can learn all about this err, dizzyingly, wide range of products instantly in visits to weed shops in states where its legal. it's really interesting what can be made with cannabis.

 

as for the worry about big weed coming in and taking over, i would just add that while nys totally messed up legalization beyond repair, one thing it did do at least for the legal dispensaries is mandate that everything be nys only products. so currently the handful of legal shops lack much variety at this point, until that industry is more fully developed in-state. when you go in they tell you keep checking back. of course you can go anywhere to all not totally legal the pop up shops on every block around here and find anything, but it mostly comes from california. so i hope ohio mandates ohio products only for the eventual legal weed shops.

On 9/11/2023 at 1:40 PM, ColDayMan said:

"But the amount of tax revenue collected would likely still represent a small percentage of Ohio’s $60-plus billion annual budget."

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.

Will Marijuana Legalization Pass in Ohio in November?

 

Ohio voters will once again have the chance to legalize marijuana on Nov. 7 — eight years after Ohioans overwhelmingly rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that would have made cannabis legal. 

 

But there are some key differences between the two.

 

Issue 3 in 2015 was a proposed constitutional amendment and today’s Issue 2 is a citizen-initiated statue, or law.

 

“Because of that, it does allow the legislature significantly more leeway to be able to change the details of the law with further legislation,” said Morgan Fox, political director for National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.

...

Marijuana polling

 

A July Suffolk University/USA Today poll shows 59% of Ohio voters support Ohioans 21 and older buying and possessing marijuana. It showed 77% of Democrats, 63% of independents and 40% of Republicans support the issue. 

 

The Suffolk University/USA Today poll surveyed 500 registered Ohio voters over the phone. Their margin of error is +/- 4.4 percentage points.

 

“The biggest contrast is that we are going to pass on the ballot in November,” Haren said.  

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/will-marijuana-legalization-pass-in-ohio-in-november-ocj1/

Green Means Green: Ohio Could See Hundreds of Millions in Pot Tax Revenue

 

Legalizing marijuana could bring in millions of dollars of tax revenue to Ohio. 

 

A recent Ohio State University Drug Enforcement and Policy Center study estimates the potential annual tax revenue from legalizing marijuana ranges from $276 million to $403 million in the fifth year of an operational cannabis market. 

 

Those projections could become reality if Ohioans vote to pass Issue 2, which would legalize and regulate the cultivation, manufacturing, testing and the sale of marijuana to Ohioans 21 and up. It would impose a 10% tax at the point of sale for each transaction and would also legalize home grow for Ohioans 21 and up with a limit of six plants per person and 12 plants per residence. 

 

“From an economics perspective, it’s added tax revenue, to new job creation, to new opportunities for Ohioans to own a small business within the industry,” said Tom Haren, spokesperson for the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol. “And then it also increases participation in the workforce.”

 

The money from legalizing adult-use cannabis would go into four buckets: 3% would go to general administrative costs, 25% goes to a substance abuse and addiction fund, 36% would go to a local host community fund to disperse the money to communities that have adult-use dispensaries and the remaining 36% goes into a social equity and jobs program fund. 

 

“We’re going to ensure that Ohioans don’t have to drive to Michigan and generate tax revenue to that state up north,” Haren said. “We want them generating that tax revenue right here in the Buckeye State.”

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/green-means-green-ohio-could-see-hundreds-of-millions-in-pot-tax-revenue-ocj1/

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. 

Posting the polling info for Issue 2 (marijuana reform) here. Among people who say they are going to vote, it’s up 57-35. Let’s all get out and vote by Nov 7 to make these poll results a reality. We will awaken on Nov 8 to a new day for Ohio.
 

https://www.bw.edu/assets/community-research-institute/october_ohio_issues_poll-final.pdf

 

Issue 2 Would Legalize Marijuana, But Wouldn’t Expunge Past Offenses

 

Legalizing marijuana in Ohio under Issue 2 would not lead to the automatic expungement for those charged with cannabis offenses. 

 

But the tax revenue from legalizing cannabis could address some criminal justice reform through the social equity and jobs program fund, said Tom Haren, spokesperson for the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol. 

 

“That fund — in addition to the direct investment to disproportionately impacted communities — is designed to fund and steady criminal justice reform efforts including sentencing reform, bail reform, parole reform, record-sealing and expungement efforts,” he said. 

 

Issue 2 is a citizen-initiative that would legalize and regulate the cultivation, manufacturing, testing and the sale of marijuana to Ohioans 21 and up. 

 

“Citizen-initiatives are limited to a single subject which makes it difficult to address lots of different things,” Haren said. “We had to be really careful around how Issue 2 was tailored.”

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/issue-2-would-legalize-marijuana-but-wouldnt-expunge-past-offenses-ocj1/

Cnn projects recreational cannabis will be legal in Ohio 

Issue 2 has also been called (passing by a substantial margin). Great day for Ohio!

 

Puff-Puff Passed!

 

OH HIGH OH!

I haven’t smoked weed for well over 30 years and I’ve zero intention of ever doing so again, but glad to see common-sense prevail. 
 

The marijuana initiative is just a statute -- can the Republican statehouse overturn it with a simple majority vote?

11 minutes ago, Foraker said:

The marijuana initiative is just a statute -- can the Republican statehouse overturn it with a simple majority vote?

 

I believe it only needs a majority vote to repeal or change aspects of it.

 

They might hesitate to do anything drastic though, because there's going to be a new effort to end gerrymandering, and that could fuel a lot of energy into democratic candidates and causes in 2024.

Good to see the good guys win a few. Doesn't happen enough these days.

2 hours ago, ryanlammi said:

 

I believe it only needs a majority vote to repeal or change aspects of it.

 

They might hesitate to do anything drastic though, because there's going to be a new effort to end gerrymandering, and that could fuel a lot of energy into democratic candidates and causes in 2024.

Even without the gerrymandering initiative, the yes votes on issue 2 were widespread. Plenty of rural counties voted yes on 2 today, so even gerrymandered legislators would be ignoring their voters

 

https://decisiondeskhq.com/ohio-election-results-statewide-ballot-issues-and-more/

Edited November 8, 20231 yr by 10albersa