Opponents to pot legalization issue to launch

Those on both sides of a marijuana legalization proposal in Ohio readied their fall campaigns today, preparing to sway voters their ways at the polls this November.

The announcement came hours before the group that will formally oppose the marijuana legalization amendment will kick off its campaign.

“This proposed amendment is bad public policy”, said Steve Hirsch, president of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. It also would legalize medical use of pot for children who have parental permission.

“These high personal possession limits will likely result in broad exposure of children and underage high school and college students to marijuana”, Ohioans Against Marijuana Monopolies said in a press release.

Their unfortunate stance means they’re protecting drug dealers who don’t pay taxes, care about sick people, create legitimate jobs or check kids’ IDs. It would allow adults 21 and over to buy marijuana and establish a network of 10 authorized growing locations around the state.

ResponsibleOhio claims its prepared to spend $20 million on the ballot issue.

Critics of the proposed constitutional amendment launched their effort Monday afternoon, August 17. The so-called Ohioans Against Marijuana Monopolies includes business and hospital groups, the Ohio State Medical Association and others. Voters will be asked whether monopolies and cartels should be banned from being added to Ohio’s constitution.

On Tuesday, the state Ballot Board will approve the phrasing that voters will see on Election Day for all ballot issues.